"Turn it up" -Music in Argentina-

by Brandon Blair '10

Everywhere you go you are surrounded by music in Argentina. As I walk down the street, i hear the the sound of up beat drums from a reggaeton track coming from inside a busy Panaderia. I see a car drive by with a giant, ancient speaker attached to the top with rope playing the latest Argentina pop hits. Music is a part of everyone´s life in Argentina. I have witnessed many forms of music since i dove into the rich culture of Argentina 13 days ago.

I first saw the importance of music in the culture at the lunch table. Everyday, after we pray, The Argentine students break out into song. For the longest time i couldn´t quite figure out why they would always start singing. Then i really listened and noticed that this song was actually a prayer. Everyday the students bless the food they are about to eat with a Cancion (song).

Music crept up on me again when i was sitting at home reading. Pablo came in and asked me if i wanted to go to Orquesta (Orchestra) with him. My brother is a phenomenal Fagot (Bassoon) player. Pablo´s younger brother Santiago plays the Oboe as well. The Orchestra was filled with talented musicians. This was the second time that music emerged as an important medium in Argentina.

On a saturday night, music can be found easily. Just head to one of the many Boliches (Night Clubs) around town. You walk past and you hear pop and reggaeton music... and continue to hear it until you are three or four blocks away. Music feeds into another form of entertainment in Argentina, dancing.

The next event convinced me that music was a very special thing to the people of Argentina. After a long day on the Campo (countryside), we all stopped and took a break. We circled up and the Argentine boys began to sing songs. They began to play guitar as well to accompany them. It seemed like every boy knew how to play at least one song on the guitar, as they passed the guitar around the circle.

Colegio Inmaculada developed a presentation for us about Folk music in Argentina. This was a fantastic event. I learned about the different kinds of music specific to certain regions of Argentina. I found it amazing that each region had its own twist when they played the guitar. Many different men played beautiful folk songs on the guitar from the many regions of Argentina. There was always a different way of picking,strumming, hitting and utilizing the guitar to produce that region´s effect. We learned about the importance of the drum, and that many instruments are made out of fruit. The accordian is also an instrument that is utilized in cultural songs.  

Teachers, Alumni, and current students of the Muscial Arts program at Colegio Inmaculada perform a cultural song.

Zach Jesberger ´11 shows everyone in the audience his ability to play the drum during the folk music presentation.

I am convinced that music is a crucial part to everyone´s day in Argentina. Whether you are sayign a prayer, dancing in a club, driving to work, or performing in the orchestra, music is cherished and valued in Argentine society. Im glad I have been able to witness such a rich culture and their array talented musicians.

by Brandon Blair '10