Cuba in Mexico

Percussion, Bass and Rhythm Section Workshops

in
Morelia, Michoacán

with
Roberto Vizcaino, congas and timbales
Alejandro Carvajal, batá
Feliciano Arango, bass

     Our Percussion Programs include daily classes on congas with Roberto Vizcaino and batá classes with Alejandro Carvajal. Participants can also arrange for private lessons on timbales, congas, and batá. CMP will supply good instruments and high-quality teaching materials.
     The Rhythm Section Workshop includes daily bass classes with Feliciano Arango and percussion classes with Roberto Vizcaino, then combined rhythm section rehearsals with both teachers in the afternoon. CMP will supply percussion instruments, amplifiers and teaching materials for class, but we do recommend bassists bring a small practice amp as well.
     Co-directed by Cherina Mastrantones.

Roberto Vizcaino Guillot is a master congero, timbalero and multiple percussionist. He has performed with Chucho Valdés, Gonzalo Rubalcala, Cubanismo, and many other groups. A dedicated teacher as well as a performer, Roberto is on faculty at the Conservatorio de las Rosas in Morelia.

Alejandro Carvajal Guerra is a renowned batalero and rumbero whose musical and family roots go back to the Yorubas of Africa. Trained in the tradition as a child by his father, Alejandro is now recognized as one of the most knowledgeable bataleros in Cuba. He is a on faculty at the Instituto Superior de Arte in Havana

Feliciano Arango was the original bassist for the timba group, NG La Banda. Arango's bass lines transcend the traditional role of marking the rhythmic and harmonic structure of the arrangement––each one stands alone as a melodic composition. He currently leads his new group Los Hermanos Arango, a fusion of traditional afro-cuban rhythms with jazz influenced harmony and arrangements.