Josie Borges came to town with her mother from Las Vegas, NV to
perform for the 30th Annual Winston-Salem Hispanic League
Fiesta in downtown. Josie kicked off our school Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrations as she performed for an audience of 2nd and 3rd
graders.
Josie
gave students a lesson on mariachi music. Not only did she perform several
songs in her full garb, she also taught lessons on the history and culture of
the genre and how it continues to inspire new musicians. Borges feels that
mariachi, while deeply vested in Hispanic heritage, can be appreciated by
anyone who’s willing to listen, so she hopes that every student who heard her
play came away with a new appreciation for the music.
“It’s
a blessing to be able to share our music with people, whether they’re part of
that culture or not,” Borges said.
“While
anyone of any background can enjoy Hispanic music, it’s important for Hispanic
students in particular that they get to hear it. Musicians like Rosado and
Borges have made rich and fulfilling careers by steeping themselves in their
cultural customs and making their own music to continue those traditions. Every
student deserves to see that they have the opportunity to do the same.”
We’re
a very diverse school with approximately 50% Hispanic students. “It’s great for
our students to see someone who’s so connected to their own culture who’s made
a career out of traditional music and art who’s just really excelling,” Mrs. Amanda
Gordon, Magnet Coordinator.
