SCOTCH PLAINS — The Scotch Plains Public Library will present an Afro-Peruvian Music Workshop on Saturday, November 23, from 2 to 3 p.m. Open to adults and teens, this interactive workshop will celebrate the heritage of Afro-Peruvian music and its main instrument, the cajón, or box drum.
Peruvian musician and teacher Hector Morales will introduce attendees to this rich tradition and perform some typical styles, including festejo, lando and zamacueca. Participants will have the opportunity to play the cajón and other percussion instruments, such as the cajita (little box) and the quijada (donkey jawbone), as well as a chance to learn to sing popular songs of the Afro-Peruvian repertoire.
A drummer and percussionist, Mr. Morales has combined national and international performance for the past 20 years with his work as a teaching artist in the Tri-State area. As adjunct faculty, he currently coteaches a course on Performing and Teaching World Music at William Paterson University. He presently leads “The Afro-Peruvian Ensemble,” an All-Star group of master musicians of Afro-Peruvian music.
Interested persons are asked to register to secure a place at this workshop, which is supported by funding from the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Service League. For more information or to register, go to www.scotlib.org, email library@scotlib.org or call (908) 322-5007, extension no. 204. The Scotch Plains Public Library is located at 1927 Bartle Avenue.