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!

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

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 !