Music Class trip to the Istmos!

 Greetings from the Music Group!

On Monday, March 11th, 2013, the music class got ready to leave for the Istmo of Oaxaca. It was a long 6 hour trip to the coast, but it was definitely worth it. The region of the Istmos is very different than Oaxaca City. It has a tropical windy feel with a heavy emphasis on music. Our purpose for this week long trip was to explore and discover musical identity in relation to the Zapotecs of the Istmos in Juchitán.

The beautiful center "Zocalo" of Juchitán

Our first day started off with an introduction of our wonderful guide Victor and our professor Sergio. We were able to get together in a community member's home, where we listened to Victor sing Zapotec songs and play the guitar. It was a lovely and welcoming experience followed by Mexican comfort food...delicious!




Tuesday, March 12th, 2013 we were privileged to hear two amazing groups. The first musical act was performed by students from a local school.  Using turtle shells, pre-hispanic flutes, as well as drums, we heard sounds unique to the region. Afterwards, we went to a home of a brass band member where we were blown away by the skill and energy of the group members. Also, we participated and watched a conquest dance, traditional to the Istmos.

 On Wednesday, March 13th, 2013, we felt the power of the wind. The windmills in La venta, Juchitán play a major role in the social/political aspects of the Istmos.

We also listened to the musical genius Pancho, who had made his own instrument called 'La Tina.'

On Thursday, March 14th, 2013, we made our own pre-hispanic flutes. It was an interesting process. First we had to cut the mouth piece, sand it, burn holes for the fingers, and insert wax into the mouth piece. After the final product, we all got to practice a song on our homemade flutes!

To finish off our day, we went to a music school where a whole orchestra performed classical songs of the Istmos.

Friday, March 15th, 2013, it was finally time to say our musical goodbyes to the Istmos. We were all sad to leave our amazing week! It will be happily remembered :)


Abrazos,
Kat y Kristi !