By Gabriella Chinnici
To get a closer look at the music scene across both Fordham campuses, I sat down with junior Luisa Ferreira, a member of Fordham’s Afro-Latin Ensemble. Throughout our conversation, we dove into her musical journey, the Ensemble’s unique energy, and the cultural significance of Afro-Latin music. As she spoke passionately about her experiences, it became clear that this Ensemble is more than just a collection of musicians—it’s a community that embraces and celebrates diversity. For Luisa, Fordham’s Afro Latin Ensemble at the Lincoln Center campus is a treasure, a place where students come together not only to play music but to connect deeply with their heritage and with one another. In this discussion, she gave me a sneak peek into the rich and vibrant world of Afro-Latin music at Fordham, offering insight into how this Ensemble helps students explore their cultural roots and share them with the wider community.
Q: Can you tell me about your musical background? Did you grow up with Afro-Latin music, or did you discover it later?
A: “I grew up in a very musical family in Brazil, so I grew up listening to and playing Afro-Brazilian music. Growing up in Brazil, I was familiar with the rhythms of samba, bossa nova, pagode, etc., but I didn’t know how to play percussion for them. Through the Afro-Latin Music Ensemble, I learned the techniques and patterns of the music I grew up listening to, which was so enriching. In the Ensemble, I have the chance to bring some songs from my childhood for us to play, such as Águas de Março, by Tom Jobim, or Timoneiro, by Paulinho da Viola.”
Q: Afro-Latin music is deeply rooted in African, Indigenous, and European traditions. How do you see this cultural blend reflected in your music with the Ensemble?
A: “They’re everywhere! The rhythms we play in the drums, whether we’re playing a traditional Brazilian batucada or a salsa, are very complex, which comes from African tradition. There are also several instruments derived from Afro-indigenous traditions, such as the djembe, the , the agogô bells, and more. Juan Montoya, our director, does a great job of explaining the rhythms and their roots to us, and I can now better listen to and appreciate these cultural influences in the music I listen to/play.”
Q: What role do you think Afro Latin music plays in promoting cultural identity and unity, both within the Fordham community and beyond?
A: “I think our Ensemble provides a representation and appreciation of a style of music that has made so many contributions to music worldwide. For the students who grew up listening to Afro-Latin music, having an ensemble like this on campus is a way of validating and celebrating their cultures. For students who didn’t, the Ensemble is a way of introducing them to new genres and cultures, which is valuable and fun. Overall, I think Afro-Latin music has a way of uplifting people. Every time I’m on stage, I see a few audience members dance in their seats, which is always so fun!”
Q: How do rehearsals typically go for the Ensemble? Are there any unique aspects to preparing for Afro-Latin performances compared to other musical styles?
A: Rehearsals run for two hours on Tuesday nights here at Lincoln Center (Monday nights at Rose Hill). Juan usually brings a percussion arrangement that he’s composed and teaches it to us. In the other half of the rehearsal, we practice the songs (usually salsa and bossa nova). The environment is very chill and relaxed. We’re free to ask questions, improvise, go off-tagent, and just have a good time and play together. To me, that’s what makes Afro-Latin what it is: it’s all about community. For example, while the other ensembles are wearing all-black, we’re wearing Hawaiian shirts and dancing on stage! This freedom and happiness is at the heart of Afro-Latin music.
Q: Can you describe the energy and vibe when the Ensemble performs live? How do you engage the audience?
A: The energy is amazing. We usually perform right after the orchestra, so when we start banging on the big drums, the audience gets really startled. They quickly join in on the fun, though. I always see a couple people dancing in their seats, which is awesome. Overall, I see smiles all around from the stage.
