Prior to his performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska earlier this month, Latin-jazz great Poncho Sanchez and Francisco Torres (trombonist/musical director in Sanchez’s band) led a lecture/demonstration with percussion students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“The Lied Center approaches every artist that comes through our doors about opportunities to engage with our students,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center. “Imagine taking a class from the master in your field of study. These experiences are life changing for the students involved.”

Sanchez instructed students on the origins of the conga drum, provided a brief history of Latin-jazz music, and demonstrated popular Latin rhythms. He also cited many of his greatest artistic influences, including Cal Tjader and Chano Pozo, and scrolled through iPod to illustrate the lesson with musical examples from his own library. Advertisement

Assistant professor of percussion and jazz studies, Dave Hall, said, “Having Poncho Sanchez on campus was an invaluable experience for our students. He is a true master and a wonderful educator, and his Latin-jazz band brought the house down that night. We’re so thankful at the Glenn Korff School of Music for our partnership with Lied Center and all of the amazing performers they bring in for us to interact with.”

 

For more information, visit www.LiedCenter.org.