Plena 101: Intro to Plena Percussion and Song (4 Part Series)

This four week series introduces students to the basic rhythms of the plena percussion ensemble and to a few songs representative of the genre. Participants will learn to play panderos — the seguidor and punteador patterns — and the güícharo or güiro, and will study four plena songs in diverse styles. The workshops also introduce students to central themes in the history of plena, its social significance in Puerto Rico and the United States, and its relation to other Caribbean musical genres. The class is open to music lovers of all ages and levels of experience.

*This is a hands on series of workshops that progressively build upon each other so starting from the beginning on June 9 is highly recommended. We will also draw on video, audio, and written materials to deepen our understanding of plena as music and lived culture.

Instructor: Héctor Lugo for The Bay Area Bomba y Plena Workshop
Price: $60 for the four week series / $20 drop in / * nobody turned away for lack of funds / limited spaces available
For more info & to register contact hectorlugo65@gmail.com or 510-927-7984