Second Annual "Encuetro del Son Jarocho" in Santa Barbara, CA

                                                                              click on pictures for a larger view

My compadre Javier invited me to "el Encuetro del Son Jarocho", music festival in Santa Barbara last Saturday.  I chose a comfortable ethnic shirt so I could fit into the cultural celebration. What I didn't know, until I jumped into the suburban, that there were five students joining us on this trip.
Now, Javier is not only a friend of over thirty years, he also happens to be one of the best schools principals I  know. We were not only going to the festival but he had also made arrangements to take some of his present and previous students, now graduating from high school, to tour the University of Santa Barbara. This is a common occurrence, every Saturday he takes students to different colleges or Universities across California.

I was curious. I asked him, "why aren't college counselors in the high schools providing this type of experiences for their seniors". He replied, "porque estan tapados", they are clue-less. In my conversations with the students, I discovered that the college counselors don't even know who these students are, they had never being approached by them. No wonder the public is bashing schools, teachers and educators.

Mariana and Stacy Will be attending the UC system next school year. Alys and Louis in the near future

Javier has insured that  all of his elementary school student who started as members of Mariachi Cielo Nuevo, could continue studying music after they moved on to middle and high school. This takes place after school and on Saturdays. They also tutor younger students and serve as positive role models. This Principal always gives of his own time for his present and former students; visiting colleges, SAT preparation, at times paying for college applications, arranging for tutoring and counseling etc. Of course this doesn't make the newspapers nor is it recognized by school district administration. Javier needs no recognition,  he does this because he cares for his students, his love of music, his culture and profession.

Louis a former student at Middleton graduated from UCSB three weeks ago; guides the students through the campus

After the visit to UCSB and a brisk walk through this fine institution, with the pacific ocean at its' doorsteps displaying sumptuous vistas. I felt healthier, more knowledgeable and ready to enjoy the rhythmic, heart stumping sounds of the jaranas.

We drove through the glorious city of Santa Barbara admiring iconic samples of Spanish architecture. We arrived at the 'casa de armas' a unique example of early California folklore and traditions. Here in the open courtyard is where the "encuentro" would take place.

Courtesy of Libby Harding

Guests and performer stated arriving. The musical groups were getting ready putting the last touches on their instrument, insuring the perfect tune. The instrumentation for a typical group will include; 1st. Jarana a high sharp voice, 2nd. Jarana the melodic tenor voice, 3rd. Jarana or Leona deep sonorous voice, the mosquito a very small jaranita with a high shrill voice. Accompanying the jaranas were percussion instrument la caja, a wooden box, la quijada a donkey's jaw, the marimbol, harpa and of course la tarima, a wooden platform where member of the group or member from the audience are invited to participate in the dance.

Education is a major part of the encuentro, it is the perfect vehicle to learn about the music, heritage and culture of southern Mexico as evidence by the age of some Jarocho groups as the one pictured here.

Son Pantera one of the most diverse and talented groups was a great host.

An Encuentro is an experience of unique musical richness, melodic contours and rhythms accompanied by the poetic language of las decimas. The Santa Barbara's second annual Encuentro del Son Jarocho was a large colorful compendium of musical groups; student and professionals took center stage with fervor and passion for their music.
Inspired by the richness of the sounds dancers ascend the tarima and join the expanding, effusive acoustical sounds; emanating from the creative energy of feet keeping beat with the musicians.

This excellent group, Son Del Centro from Santa Ana was one of the favorites in Santa Barbara

As the festival approached it's passionate conclusion  the audience began easing towards the stage, the culmination was the fandango. All the musical groups play together in a jam session. While dancers  and audience begin dancing the fandango, sharing the tarima granting the footwork louder resonance. Judging from the participation between musicians and audience, this encuentro was a huge success. I will definitely be attending  next year with more students along with my compadre Javier.

photos: j. Miranda