KTSW Loves: TXST Latin Music studies

By Jennifer Soliz

Promotions Team Member

Among the various musical ensembles offered at Texas State University, some of the liveliest are the Mariachi and Salsa bands. Each of these groups offer unique experiences both for their student musicians and attendees of their concerts. Even if you have no idea how to dance salsa music, Salsa Nights offer salsa dance lessons prior to event start times to accommodate beginners. If you’re not much of a dancer but still want to enjoy Latin music, there are also various Mariachi concerts held throughout the semester in which audience members and musicians alike are energetic and lively.

These ensembles are not only a great experience for audience members, but musicians as well. Senior Music Education with a minor in Mariachi, Adalina Hernandez, describes her time in mariachi and LMS as helpful in not only connecting her with her culture but bettering her as a musician and future educator. Hernandez speaks fondly of her time within the Mariachi here at Texas State and when asked about her favorite part of being in Mariachi, she mentions the great sense of community she has felt and how passionate her fellow band members were for the music they played together. Hernandez would say to anyone interested in joining Mariachi to “definitely do it. It’s an amazing experience and helpful in learning about your own culture and if not your own, another person’s culture.”

It seems the musicians in the Salsa bands have also had similar experiences to Hernandez. David Heyn, Senior Jazz Performance and bassist for one of the Salsa bands, describes his experience in Salsa as helpful in extending his knowledge of the history of salsa music and in further refining his playing capabilities. He also mentions how his participation in Salsa band has opened him up to other genres that fall under the Latin Music umbrella. He talks about the connection he has gained to his culture and other cultures as well through his participation in the band.

Both musicians speak proudly about how their respective groups have impacted them in positive ways and how they have learned so much about their own and others’ culture. If you might be interested in joining either of these groups, they recommend knowing an instrument of either mariachi or salsa, depending on which one you’re interested in, and/or have singing capabilities. Keep an eye on the TXST Latin Music website for audition dates. If you’re looking to support the Latin Music Department or simply for a fun and immersive way to delve into Latin Music, check out the upcoming TXST Latin Music events. Some of the upcoming events to look forward to are:

Oct. 6^th Salsa Night at George’s

Nov. 1^st Noche de Mariachi at Evan’s Auditorium

Nov. 3^rd Salsa Night at The Davenport

Nov. 30^th Salsa Night at The Railyard

Dec. 2^nd Merry-Achi Christmas at the Texas State University Performing Arts Center

Make sure to follow txstlatinmusic on Instagram or visit http://www.latin.music.txst.edu for future upcoming events and audition dates.