So, today I went to Richmond (well, San Pablo) to see the rehearsal of "Los Cenzontles". Los Cenzontles is the name of the band but it is also Mexican Cultural Arts Center that also teaches Song and Dance. The Rehearsal I went to consisted of the person I'm shadowing, my violin teacher, the Head of the band, the bass player and two singers.
The music that Los Cenzontles plays is Mariachi music but it is a special type of mariachi music. They have a state grant from California to study their music. The background is that the band found a man from mexico whose father lived in the 1800's. This man (the son), knew tons of forgotten Mariachi music from the 1800's that his father taught him. The band writes down the pieces and learns them and spreads the pieces around. Even playing in the origin of the pieces that were long forgotten from their township of origin.
Also, I got to see into their recording studio (they have three rehearsal rooms and a recording studio) and got to listen to one recording which was a cover song of a true country song with their friend, David Hidalgo, who is more famously known as the lead singer of "Los Lobos"
Overall this was a good trip to learn about State Grants. Tomorrow is more rehearsal and then the day after a performance, which I will be helping with the set up.
Pictures to be posted with tomorrow's blog.
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