Newsletter No. 12 – The Multicultural Music Group

SEPT-OCT 2023

THE TREBLE CLEF

The Multicultural Music Group Newsletter

HISPANIC/LATINX HERITAGE MONTH A special number celebrating cultures that have helped shaping our community!

FEATURING

Bomba: An Identity Autoethnography

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The MMG: Honoring Hispanic/Latinx Communities Amid the diverse and dynamic landscape of New York City's music scene, our beloved Multicultural Music Group stands as a testament to the power of unity and a shared mission. Our journey has always been deeply intertwined with the Hispanic and Latinx communities, and it's important to acknowledge that without their unwavering support, our existence would not have been possible.

From the very inception of our journey, we were fortunate to have the talent and dedication of remarkable individuals like Pete Nater and Pete Miranda, who remain instrumental in our ongoing endeavors. The legendary figure Charlie Palmieri and many other luminaries from the Latinx cultural scene, whose influence has been central to the history of this city, also lent their weight to our mission.

What united us was a shared vision: to create a lasting impact on underprivileged schools through instrumental music education, with our beloved South Bronx at the epicenter of our operations. Furthermore, we aimed to illuminate hidden historical moments that had never been part of K-12 curricula through the power of music. Driven by our belief in the transformative power of music and the potential for intertwining it with historical education, we embarked on a mission to forge a brighter future for the Latinx and Hispanic communities.

At the core of our work lies a simple yet powerful belief: music is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and bridges socioeconomic disparities. By introducing instrumental music education to underserved communities, we've not only nurtured a love for music but also provided a platform for young talents to discover their creative potential and connect with their own communities through history.

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This approach has yielded impressive results. Many of our talented students have continued to flourish with us and have evolved into accomplished symphonic musicians. Others have ventured onto international stages, joining symphonic orchestras around the world.

In a world where the arts are often marginalized, we've managed to keep the spirit of Hispanic/Latinx culture alive while making a profound impact on countless lives. It's about more than just the music; it's about nurturing a sense of belonging and pride within the community.

As we continue to grapple with numerous challenges, we do so with our heads held high, guided by an unwavering sense of purpose. Our resilience pays homage to the power of collaboration, community, and our deep-seated belief that music can pave the way for a more just and equitable future.

In a world filled with discord, our harmonious melodies remind us that music has the power to bridge divides, transcend adversity, and illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow. We stand as living proof that extraordinary achievements are possible when we come together and harmonize our efforts for a shared cause. The Hispanic/Latinx communities are proof of that.

May this brief homage serve as proof of our admiration and gratitude.

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Juan Colón: Our MMG Friend and Dominican Musical Trailblazer

By Leilah Ramos Arroyo

Juan Colón has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His roles as a saxophonist, composer, and band leader showcase an innate passion for music, solidifying his influential presence in the Latin Jazz genre. Colón's dedication to preserving Dominican culture and musical heritage through innovative compositions has not only made a significant impact but also continues to inspire.

His musical journey commenced at a tender age. At just eight years old, he joined his hometown's music band, already displaying a profound love for music. However, the turning point occurred at the age of 13 when he attended a performance by Orquesta José Reyes, led by Papa Molina. It was during this event that he witnessed the mesmerizing performance of saxophonist Tavito Vásquez, inspiring his choice of the saxophone as his instrument.

At the age of seventeen, Colón made a pivotal decision to relocate to Santo Domingo. In the mid-1960s, he began collaborating with the orchestra of Rafael Solano, marking a period of musical exploration across various genres, including jazz, bossa nova, and blues, thus broadening his musical horizons.

5 One of the notable highlights in his career was his membership in Juan Luis Guerra's orchestra, 440, where his musical talents flourished. In 1998, Colón paid homage to the legendary Dominican saxophonist Tavito Vásquez by releasing "Con el alma de Tavito." This groundbreaking album, featuring innovative arrangements for four saxophones, was later honored as one of "The 100 Essential Albums of Dominican Music" by the Association of Art Critics (Acroarte) in 2013. In 2004, he unveiled "Nuestro Merengue," an album comprising ten tracks infused with jazz harmonies, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Nevertheless, one of his most impactful compositions emerged in June 2010 when he premiered "The Parsley Massacre" in the Bronx. Inspired by the 1937 massacre of Haitians ordered by dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina, this composition, performed by our MMG Orchestra, served as a potent tribute and a stark reminder of historical atrocities.

We invite you to enjoy the movements of the piece here: First Movement Second Movement Third Movement His musical journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of music, demonstrating its capacity to bridge cultures, inspire change, and commemorate history. Juan Colón's unwavering passion for the saxophone and his dedication to musical excellence continue to make an enduring impression on the world of music and we celebrate him during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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Our Latinx Contributors Celebrated on Social Media At MMG, we are proud to embrace the rich cultural tapestry of our Latino and Hispanic artists and composers. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to dive into a world of music that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Latinx culture and its profound influence on our organization’s history. Check the most recent videos we have created about the work of artists and composers who graced us last year with their talent: Julia del Palacio, Pedro Giraudo, Yuri Juárez, and Pete Nater.

They have been diligently crafting melodies, lyrics, and rhythms that resonate with the heart and soul. They infuse their heritage, stories, and traditions into every note, creating music that transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal language of emotion.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the extraordinary contributions of Latinos and Hispanics in shaping the music landscape.

This celebration reminds us that Latinx culture is more than just a mosaic of traditions; it's a dynamic force that has propelled music history into new realms of creativity and innovation, and we celebrate it to the fullest every single year for the past almost three decades of existence.

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Bomba: An Identity Autoethnography

By Leilah Ramos Arroyo

In the realm of dance, my connection to my craft had been fading due to the shifting landscape of U.S. dance culture—a toxic pursuit of perfection and profit at the expense of overworked bodies. However, a transformative experience awaited me in Puerto Rico, where I watched Bomba.

Bomba, rooted in the Afro-Puerto Rican culture, emerged during Spanish colonial times. African enslaved people in Puerto Rico melded rhythmic movements with Latin American music, creating a powerful medium for expression and communication. Through dance and song, they shared stories, news, and even messages of rebellion. Bomba beautifully encapsulates the blend of African roots and Hispanic influence prevalent in Caribbean culture, with its Spanish lyrics and flowing skirts juxtaposed against grounded dance moves and percussion instruments. Native Taínos also left their mark on Bomba, influencing the setup of drummers and dancers.

What distinguishes Bomba, beyond other Afro-Caribbean styles like Mambo and Calypso, is the profound connection between drummers and dancers. In the midst of Bomba performances, everyone forms a circle called a “batey.” Drummers set the rhythm, and all unite in song. Dancers enter with a "paseo," introduce themselves to the "primo" (lead drummer), and embark on an improvisational journey. The beauty of Bomba lies in the fact that the "Primo" follows the dancer, creating a rhythmic dialogue through movement.

Bomba isn't just dance; it's a means of expressing and reclaiming power during times of oppression—a form of "re-remembering." Each rhythmic pattern symbolizes emotions and resistance. Sicá signifies rising up, Cuembé symbolizes balance, and Yuba purifies negativity. The lyrics in Bomba songs echo this quest for remembrance, with the lead singer recounting stories that connect people to their ancestors, traditions, and culture.

8 Bomba continues to thrive and adapt, with singers adding contemporary relevance to their stories. It has supported movements like Black Lives Matter in Puerto Rico and aided in the recovery of Puerto Rican communities postHurricane Maria.

As an Afro-Puerto Rican dancer, I found a deep connection to my roots through Bomba. Watching “bombazos,” I sang, danced, and felt a profound sense of identity and community. Bomba's healing power is supported by Ashley Coleman Taylor's concept of the "archival oceanic." It not only refers to the healing and ancestral connection experienced during Bomba but also the cultural bond Puerto Ricans share through it.

This "archival oceanic" concept should extend to all dance styles. Embracing dance as a communal and societal practice can revive its healing essence, countering the damaging focus on perfection, rules, and body image in U.S. dance culture.

Bomba's emphasis on healing and culture should inspire the U.S. dance community to prioritize the well-being of professionals and society. My studies of Bomba have kindled my own unique form of self-expression and healing through movement. My dream is to use dance to heal communities, and my journey begins with Bomba.

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Make Sure to Watch Our Panel Discussions About Afro-Argentina and Afro-Perú If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the panels that shed light on the history of Afro-Argentina and Afro-Perú during our recent Multicultural Music Encounter in June, here is your chance! Join us again for an enlightening journey to explore the rich and often overlooked cultural tapestries of Black communities in Argentina and Perú. Delve into thought-provoking conversations with scholars and artists who passionately unraveled the histories, stories, and traditions that have shaped these vibrant communities. For Argentina, we were joined by Dr. Paulina Alberto and composer Pedro Girauldo. For Perú, activist Mónica Carrillo, academic Dr. Tania Aparicio, and composer Yuri Juárez shared their views about the complexities of Afro-Latin American identity in the Andean country.

These dialogues offer a unique opportunity to gain profound insights into the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Afro-descendants in South America. Don't miss out on the chance to broaden your horizons and embrace the voices that deserve to be heard. Tune in for the full conversations and be part of this important discourse. Let's celebrate the diversity of Afro-Latinx culture together.

Make sure you click on the images below to be directed to the full conversations.

At a Glance

28+ years of service to the community.

All have NYC Boroughs been impacted by our work

MMG Orchestra

through education and cultural programming.

has been active for almost three decades with members from all over the world.

About MMG The MMG is a nonprofit organization devoted to creating and presenting new symphonic music, promoting research of hidden aspects of history, and providing direct student instruction in multicultural instrumental music. Our initiatives aim to promote global understanding, social justice awareness, and diversity in the symphonic repertoire. We strive to broaden our musical repertoire to reflect the rich diversity of our communities. Our vision includes fair historical portraits of underrepresented communities in educational and artistic fields. We fulfill this through new music commissions by composers of color and providing professional, economically accessible programming to the public. We supplement our presentations with scholarly research and open dialogue to deepen our listening, learning, and cross-cultural experiences.

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