An invite to play at the Canadian Literary Festival in Tepoztlan, Mexico has turned into a string of performances for Humber’s Latin Jazz Ensemble. The 14-member group, led by world-renowned Latin composer and Humber instructor Hilario Duran, has also been asked to play the at G20 reception, the Canadian Embassy, and two leading universities as part of their tour.
Denny Christianson, Humber’s Director of Music, explained how the strength of the music program’s reputation opened up the travel opportunity for the students.
“The Canadian Literary Festival in Mexico wanted our top student group to help them branch out into music.” said Christianson. “They offered to pay all our expenses so it was pretty easy to say yes.”
Christianson believes that experiencing local culture and entertainment is a unique way for the students to enhance their real-world learning in the Contemporary Music Degree program.
While the trip will be a new experience for many of the students, it will be a familiar one for band cello player, Mariel Gonzalez, who lived in Mexico before moving to Canada to further her career in music.
“I can’t wait to see my family and friends,” said Gonzalez. “I’m excited to see how they react to a Canadian interpretation of Latin music.”
