Latin Influences

[Alexander Silva]

I am very interested in the affects and contribution of latin music on popular music of today. I feel latin music is being rediscovered by many in jazz, pop, R & B, and even country. Latin music's influence is being felt around the world in many forms and shapes (e.g.: Ray Obiedo in California, Ojos de Brujos in Spain, and Andy Norell, and many more).
I developed a PowerPoint presentation to introduce middle students to Latin Music's Influence. Take a look and comment if you will.

[Aziza]

What you are doing is priceless. The students are blessed to have a teacher like you.
In terms of music and our young people, they only know what the media wants them to know.
As a music educator I heard students call Patti Labelle a jazz singer ....They could not name 3 females who play piano and sing. Alicia was the only one they could name. History is lost because it is not taught in a lot of our schools or if it is, it's just the usual 'surface' limited editions!
As far as Latin music is concerned a lot of our children are just as much in the dark about that and its influences on today's music. I mean they hear it and are exposed to it, but can't articulate what it is or where it's origins are or the African connection. etc....
So I am proud of educators like yourself who are trying to EDUCATE.
Many of my former students were the inspiration behind a lot of the lyrics I have written and recorded because I wanted to EDUCATE and INSPIRE them. I wish you much success in your educational endeavors and hope you have the support of your administators and parents in the community.
Aziza

[Alexander Silva]

Aziza,

I'm glad you can see the connection. Not only children miss it, many adults that love the music skipped right over the real deal. Thanks again!!!