On Oct. 3, the Latin American Society (LAS) club welcomed Luis Garay and the Percussion World Ensemble to perform for the Upper School. LAS hosted the assembly to enthuse students for the new school year and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Garay is a multi-percussionist, composer, recording artist and educator. Since 1996, Garay has been the percussion soloist and director for the Percussion World Ensemble.
Garay was born in Cordoba, Argentina, and he began his career as an educator at Cordoba State Conservatory of Music. He worked in D.C. as the Jazz Ensemble director of St. Albans School and National Cathedral School.
He has received multiple awards, including the gold medal from the International Rotary Club and was recognized from the U.S. Government as an “Artist of Exceptional Ability.”
The Percussion World Ensemble specializes in combining different styles of music and diversity to produce new songs.
The group expresses that diversity in music should be reflected in our own lives.
LAS advisor and Upper School History Teacher Silvana Niazi said, “It’s essential for us to focus on the connections between different cultures as we look to bridge differences within our community but also to understand ways in which diversity can really be a strength for us as a community.”
The Percussion World Ensemble started the assembly by exploring the different aspects of Afro-Latin music and culture, blending songs with African origins with Latin rhythms.
Garay also invited students from the audience on stage to play various instruments, directing the students through different rhythms through hand movements.
The group then selected students to come up the the stage and play the maracas, djembe, and other small instruments.
Sophomore and performing student Zyana Bey-Godwin said “It was crazy how everyone knew how to follow the instructor’s hand movements not knowing how to play instruments before.”
Bey-Godwin has experience practicing the djembe and enjoyed playing along with the Percussion World Ensemble.
Another performer, sophomore Nia George shared that “The performance was great … so lively and interactive!”
During the finale, Garay also invited teachers to perform on the stage and gave a lesson on the interrelationships between instruments and society.
He showcased his African Kettle Drum with a multi-purposed shell used as a a water basin by African women. Niazi believes the joy of music is a commonality between all cultures. “The best part was really seeing everyone get excited and be willing to come on up and play the drums or shake the maracas … seeing smiling faces and high energy in the room,” she said.
