Latin Crossover
A cross-cultural experience exposing students to the wide variety of the musical components associated with the Latin musical tradition including instrumentation, vocals, rhythms, and dance.
Pennsylvania Curriculum Standards
(A=Assembly; W=Workshop; R=Residency)
9.1 Production, Performance and Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts A, R
15.4 Learning Through Experience A, R
25.3 Pro-Social Relationships with Adults A, R
25.4 Pro-Social Relationships with Peers A, R
​
Art Form(s): Music, Dance
​
Genre: Latin/Brazilian
​
Instrument(s): Piano/Keyboard, Drums, Violin, Bass, Dance, Voice
Assembly and Residency Offerings
Latin Crossover Assembly
The Latin Fiesta ensemble has won wide acclaim as a pioneer in the presentation of crossover concerts. The ensemble is led by award winning performers Maria del Pico Taylor, Cuban born pianist and Raymond Taylor, English born violinist, and includes appearances by Vania Taylor (lead vocalist), Chico Huff (bass), and Liliana Ruiz (Latin/Flamenco dancer), among others. The composition of this ensemble lends itself to exciting and versatile programming. Rarely does one hear a crossover concert that shifts from a hot salsa tune to a classical work by Albeniz, and then incorporates a contemporary Latin version of a Baroque Concerto Grosso, or a recent commissioned piece by Oscar Hernandez, Carlos Franzetti, Arturo O’Farrill or Tania Leon, ending with the audience rising out of their seats to join in an Afro-Cuban conga line.
Best for: K-12 • After-School/Community
Latin Fiesta Residency
The Latin Fiesta Residency is a cross-cultural experience exposing students to the wide variety of the musical components associated with the Latin musical tradition including instrumentation, vocals, rhythms, and dance.
The residency begins with an Opening Assembly featuring the 60-minute crossover concert for which Latin Fiesta is known. During the multi-week workshop portion, students work with two to three different members of Latin Fiesta each week and focus on a different musical genre, depending upon the specialties of the visiting artists. For example, workshop #1 may feature Ray Taylor working with students to introduce them to the basics of the violin, while workshop #2 may find the students working with Ann Margaret and Liliana on Latin and Flamenco Dance. The Final Performance features the full Latin Fiesta ensemble performing alongside the workshop students, each of whom will be focused on the one or two aspects of the Latin tradition in which they were most interested or proficient.
​
Best for: K-12 • After-School/Community
Featuring: Latin Fiesta
​
The Latin Fiesta ensemble has won wide acclaim as a pioneer in the presentation of crossover concerts. The ensemble is led by the award winning performers, Cuban-born pianist Maria del Pico Taylor and English-born violist Raymond Taylor. The composition of the group consists of eight artists, each of whom are masters of different musical genres, including Piano, Violin, Flute, Latin Percussion, Bass, Vocals and Latin/Flamenco Dance. The unorthodox composition of the ensemble lends itself to versatile and exciting programming. Rarely does one hear a crossover concert that shifts from a hot salsa tune to a classical work by Albeniz and then incorporates a contemporary version of a Baroque Concerto Grosse, or a recent commissioned piece by Oscar Hernandez, Carlos Franzetti, Arturo O’Farrill or Tania Leon, ending with the audience rising to join in an Afro-Cuban conga line.
​
Joined Musicopia: 2000