By J. Tavarez
FORT COLLINS, Colo.— Greeted by the savory Caribbean beats of Salsa band “Fleur de Cana,” students and faculty gathered at the Oval last Wednesday afternoon in celebration to a tasty kick-off for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Since the beats of time, music has been a cannon in the social upheavals in Portugal, Spain and Latin America in the 1970s and 1980s. It has remained an identifying role in Hispanic culture; most relevant in today’s festivities through, Salsa!
With microphone in hand, lead singer Maria Diedrichs sat and waited, patiently listening to the presidential address going on across her way. She was ready to share the simple steps needed for a great Salsa, dance that is, as I took the time to ask her the cultural importance of music.
“Music is a big part of culture, its so rich and its very important for people to see that... It’s an art”
Nodding alone side was guitarist, Eduardo Barbosa, who had a few things of his own to say about what he wants people to get out of his music.
“Generally I just hope to have the opportunity to expose all people to different types of music and art. As a community we have a lot of people doing beautiful things”.
With the salsa-making contest in mind I asked, whats the secret ingredient for making your salsa?
“Pepper.. lots of it!,” said Diedrichs. “It gives it the perfect kick!”
“Dill seeds!,” said Barbosa.
While Fleur de Cana spiced up the stage on one side of the Oval, music-therapy student Peggy Zhang sees more than a dancing motivation for Salsa music..
“Music can heal you,” she said. She wants to be able to use music to cure people and believes that it is a strong ingredient needed to live healthy. “Music has been shown to affect portions of the brain, part of which affect emotions and social interactions.”
Witnessing the diversity in people dancing, all to the same song, you could easily see this philosophy at work.
Music is a prime ingredient to the flavor of a culture. We can all relate to the significance it has had during our time, whether it be remembering your grandparents favorite salsa song or your doctors recommendation for the cure.
Music is significant to all shades and colors.
The “melting pot” as we know was slowly turning into a fusion of music and culture; contributing their own flavor to the perfect salsa that is CSU.
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