Palacio de la Rumba – outreach

Our outreach project uses 6 original arrangements inspired by Cuban son, guagaunco, mozambique, cha cha cha, 6/8 makuta and a Latin blues to teach basic Latin music styles. Each piece will be built up from the clave and drumming parts to the rhythm section roles and the melody and coro-style call and response parts. The arrangements are easy to intermediate level and can be adapted to suit individual players.

The program requires students to attend the two rehearsals and the concert performing with members of Palacio de la Rumba. Students will learn about Latin rhythm patterns, instrumental roles and the origins of the music styles played. In the lead up to face-to-face rehearsals Palacio intend to send through digital resources that will help the student participants learn the arrangements. In face-to-face rehearsals they will have access to first-generation Latin and jazz musicians who are leaders in their field.

The players, arrangements, digital resources and face-to-face rehearsals form the basis for a community-based collaborative Latin music project being activated in Western Sydney, Nowra/Shoalhaven and Wollongong in May 2026. It is a strong opportunity for music students to engage with professional musicians on popular Latin repertoire with the aim of putting on a concert. Palacio hope to excite and inspire the students to use what they learn in their own compositions, groups and performances.