Hispanic Heritage Collection

This collection features content on the musical flavors of Latin America: Cuban, Latin, Salsa, and more!

Episode 42

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

The number one conga player in Cuba in the 1930s was Chano Pozo. Chano was the "best of the best," and soon he was playing beside Dizzy in the United States! In the 1940s, Chano and other Cuban...

The Rumba, Cuba and the Congas | Periscope

Episode 41

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

During the 1920s, the sound of "rumba" music took over Cuba. Rumba was great to dance to, as it was played with many types of percussion instruments. The congas stood out as rumba's major percussion...

Claves | Periscope

Episode 38

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Claves: Two sticks used to make a simple rhythm in Cuban music such as rumba. It is used in many other forms of Latin American music as well.

Guiro | Periscope

Episode 36

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Guiro: A scraper sometimes used in Latin jazz. The Cuban and Puerto Rican form is made from a notched gourd and played with a stick.

Congas | Periscope

Episode 35

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Congas: Drums played with the hands and often used in salsa and rumba music. Congas play a major role in Latin jazz bands.

Hispanic Customs & Traditions | Periscope

Episode 6

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

A person does not have to be born in Latin America or Spain to be considered Hispanic. Hispanic customs and traditions, such as language, music and dress, can be passed down from one generation to...

Celia Cruz | Artopia

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Grades: 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Celia Cruz was born and raised in the working class Santos Suarez neighborhood of Havana, Cuba on October 21, 1924. Brought up in a musical family, she began singing in local contests and later...

Main Street Latin Festival | Carolina Money

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Grades: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Higher Education

Just prior to the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Main Street Latin Festival is held each year on Main Street in Columbia, S.C. The Festival provides an opportunity to recognize the...