SFUAD’s Afro-Cuban Ensemble

Posted by Holly Pons in Music

Students preform at the Afro-Cuban Ensemble.

On Sunday night, Oct. 11, the Forum was grooving to the musical stylings of SFUAD’s new Afro-Cuban Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the 21-piece group presented a free celebratory concert. Directed by Horace Alexander Young, Andy Zadrozny and Lina Ramos, the group performed various pieces of Latin jazz, salsa and traditional Cuban music.

As an added bonus, it was also Family Weekend so parents and siblings from all over the country were able to witness their hard working children doing what they love most.

As folks filed into the jam-packed venue, Fred Simpson took to the microphone to welcome student, parents and community members. He introduced the various musical sections and asked who was here as a part of family weekend. “The singers are over there,” says Simpson. “They live in a totally different world than the instrumental players.”

The introductions continued and the group geared up for its first song while friends and family continued to arrive. The musicians kicked off the concert with Latin-music legend Tito Puente’s “Oye Coma Va.” The song was made incredibly popular by Carlos Santana, which made it a very inviting first taste. “Jazz is being re-born right here, right now,” says Simpson in between sets.

The group continued on to perform a great range of toe-tapping numbers by Mongo Santamaria, CAl Tjader, Dizzy Gillespie and Horace Silver. Each piece was made up of different musical sections and singers.

Watching fellow classmates play and sing their hearts out was truly inspiring. They flowed so well together it seemed almost effortless, though it likely took intense practice and patience to get where they are today. Without a doubt, they made their families and friends proud.