A recent joy that I (Steph) have had is working with other volunteers and students in the AIMS program to play music for our Christian gatherings here with Armonía. I am usually on guitar, but sometimes piano. Job plays flute. Grace (another volunteer) plays violin. Sotico is going to start playing the guitar soon. And Wes does percussion. We have a lot of fun! One of the challenges, but fun challenges, has been to play in such a way that is Mexican, or Latino, rather than USAmerican. It makes a huge difference in the strumming patterns, rhythms, chord progressions, etc. I’m not trained in playing Latino music, but I’m learning by experience.
In addition to “alabanzas” (praise songs), we are also trying to work up some traditional Oaxacan music! That is REALLY fun. We’ll try to get some pictures or video of us playing up on here soon. We’re quite amateur, but its fun to do this together, and to play with people across culture!
I have mentioned before that the poor and indian here in Mexico do not have the privilege of learning to sing or play music. But many of them are very naturally talented, and it has been a joy to work with them, offering instruction where I can, and see them find a lot of joy in practicing, playing, and creating music!
