FIU Culture: Students showcase the beauty of Latin jazz

Ricardo Chavez // Contributing Writer

The University is well-renowned due to its eclectic vibe and multicultural student body. It’s no surprise then that on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Florida International University Jazz ensemble enticed viewers not only with their renditions of well-known Latin classics, but with their original compositions that attempted to purvey the Spanish ambiance that seemingly fills the university in the Wertheim Performing Arts Center.

Some of the selections that were played during the show included “Pure Spirit,” “Five for Elvin,” “Iracuba” and “To Brenda with Love.” The musical spectacle was directed by Mike Orta, an associate professor and the Director of Jazz Performance, who has also traveled across the globe in an attempt to display the importance of musical knowledge to foreign individuals.

Many students and university staff alike came to witness the event that took place at the Herbert and Nicole Wertheim Performing Arts Center. Some individuals stressed the importance of a culturally driven event.

“Musical showcases like these display the hard work and dedication put forth by the performers of the event, all of which are students,” Natalie Lopez, one of our university students, said. “Their perseverance is not only an attempt to play good music, but to bring a culturally enriching atmosphere within an already diverse campus.”

Another student, Jose Fuguet, also enjoys the eclectic side of Jazz.

“If there is one thing I like about Latin jazz, it’s the pure and raw feeling that it carries. If you can’t move to the sound of Latin jazz, you need to get yourself checked out,” Fuguet said.

Annias Balcazar, a music instructor, was truly impressed with the performance.

“All in all, the Latin music performance within FIU truly exceeded my expectations,” Balcazar said. “The mere fact that the show was so easily accessible is mind-blowing.”

Surely this will not be the final showcasing of cultural music that the University has to offer. The present diversity within the campus will lead to upcoming shows that, through music, will educate individuals about the cultures and traditions of other areas around the world