Encuentro
Encuentro de Músicas de Oaxaca: Raíces y Ramas
"Encuentro de Músicas de Oaxaca: Raíces y Ramas (roots and branches)," scheduled for November 1 & 2, 2024, at UC Riverside, an award-winning Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). This two-day symposium represents a noteworthy opportunity to honor and preserve Oaxacan musical heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding and bridging access to higher education for underrepresented communities. Additionally, hosting this event at a thriving Hispanic Serving Research Institution aligns with the mission of our UCR HSI Committee to create a servingness culture. Furthermore, the date of this event is of cultural significance throughout Latin America, El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a celebration of our deceased loved ones and through storytelling, song, and community we honor their memories.
This free event, organized by Dr. Xóchitl Chávez, an associate professor of music at UCR, is part of the annual Encuentros series, showcasing Latin American musical heritage since 2005 established by Dr. Walter Clark.
"This symposium is a unique opportunity to witness the breadth and depth of Oaxacan musical traditions as they've evolved across diverse geographical contexts," says Dr. Chávez. "By bringing together presenters from Oaxaca, North Carolina, New York, and various parts of California, we're showcasing how Oaxacan music-making practices have been preserved, adapted, and reimagined within different diasporic communities."
The event showcases music from several Indigenous Oaxacan communities (Zapotec, Mixe, Mixteco, and Afro-Indigenous), demonstrating how these traditions have been maintained and transformed within different diasporic settings.
Cultural Significance and Community Impact
- Honoring Indigenous Heritage: The event showcases music from several Indigenous Oaxacan communities (Zapotec, Mixe, Mixteco, and Afro-Indigenous), highlighting UC Riverside's commitment to cultural diversity and preservation. This focus underscores the importance of Indigenous voices and traditions in academic and cultural spaces.
- Language Inclusivity: By hosting this event on the UC Riverside campus and offering bilingual panels, we're creating a vital bridge between Indigenous diasporic communities and higher education. This approach ensures that language is not a barrier to participation and learning, reflecting our commitment to inclusive education.
- Outreach and University Admissions: This initiative aims to demystify the college experience and encourage underrepresented students to envision themselves in academic settings. The event will offer bilingual and culturally affirming presentations for students and parents to engage with college admission and financial aid professionals, ensuring access to pertinent information for higher education preparation.
- Cross-Cultural Exchange: Featuring both local southern California diasporic communities and a delegation of Oaxacan parents and youth musicians from Greensboro, North Carolina, the event facilitates a nationwide cultural dialogue. This exchange promotes mutual understanding and respect between diverse communities.
- Academic and Artistic Collaboration: The symposium brings together Indigenous scholars, musicians, and composers from Oaxaca, California, Ohio, New Mexico, and New York. This positions UC Riverside as a hub for international academic and artistic collaboration, with a specific focus on Indigenous knowledge and artistic expression.
- Student Engagement and Representation: UCR Music Industry track students will gain hands-on experience by participating in recording sessions. This not only provides them with valuable skills but also offers the opportunity to engage with Oaxacan Indigenous musical traditions, fostering cultural competence and appreciation. Furthermore, in partnership with the office of Chicano Student Programs, UCR Chicanx/Latinx undergraduate student volunteers will lead bilingual student panels on the college experience and provide campus tours for participants in attendance. Over this summer, I have been working closely with two graduate students in my department to teach them about community programming and logistics.
Community Partnership and Inclusivity: The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the wider community, promoting inclusivity and accessibility to cultural education. This approach aligns with UC Riverside's mission to serve as a resource for the entire community, particularly underrepresented groups.
Event Highlights
- Day 1: Academic presentations highlighting Indigenous Oaxacan musical traditions and a master class featuring a new composition by Mixteco composer Ruben Lugeas of Pasatono Orchestra.
- Day 2: Recording Workshops will showcase contemporary compositions by women Oaxacan composers and traditional Oaxacan funeral music, honoring Indigenous cultural practices. The workshops will be held on Día de los Muertos weekend.
- Bilingual Panels for Parents: Sessions on university admission and campus life, tailored explicitly to Indigenous and diasporic community members, leveraging UC Riverside's expertise as an HSI.
- Closing Event: "Baile Serrano," an open-air community presentation and dance in the Arts Courtyard, showcasing the new music piece they just learned and recorded on UCR.
UCR Music Industry track students will gain hands-on experience by participating in the recording sessions, which will provide them with valuable skills and the opportunity to engage with diverse Oaxacan Indigenous musical traditions.
The symposium is free and open to students, faculty, staff, and the wider community, promoting inclusivity and accessibility to cultural education. Please remember to bring your instruments and register by Oct. 10, 2024 in order to receive the sheet music by Oct 15.