Students explore Latin beats with visiting band
Linda Sappington
Terrence Rosnagle of “Maracuja,” describes himself as a “musical gypsy,” having explored music around the world.
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Ronan students clap out samba beats.
Linda Sappington
The musicians combine saxophone, guitar, percussion and voice in a melodic trio of Latin and world music.
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
Linda Sappington
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Three Americans who traveled the world to hone their musical skills crossed paths in Seattle and now travel the states sharing their Latin tunes as the band Maracuja.
Last week the trio interacted with drama, choir and band students at both Polson and Ronan High Schools, and performed Friday night in a Mission Valley Live concert.
Ronan High School Choir baritone Daden Collicott nodded his head to the beat during the workshop with Maracuja, which means passion flower/fruit in Brazilian. Drama students Morgan Brooks and Rose Santos rose to their feet during the samba.
“We’re cheerleaders, so we find the beat easily,” Brooks explained.
“We’re always doing some funky moves with our hips,” Santos added.
And Tania Ulutoa said the workshop was “awesome. I have some Brazilian family, so I really enjoy (the music.)”
Maracuja singer Caitlin Belem was raised in Buffalo, Wyoming, surrounded by a musically gifted family. After graduating from high school, she opted to spend one more high school year as an exchange student in Brazil, and her love for the music and culture was solidified. She sang effortlessly Friday with a soothing tone, skillfully switching from vocals to saxophone, guitar and violin.
Percussionist Sam Esecson demonstrated a variety of instruments with students, including a small drum-like cuica that’s rubbed with a damp towel to create a sound similar to the squeaking of a straw through a plastic lid. Born and raised in Southern California, Esecson began on a drum set when he was 8 years old. Once exposed to the sound of Brazilian music he studied the melodies and culture in Brazil. He shared his fondness for samba on Friday, teaching students to recognize various samba rhythms.
Guitarist Terrence Rosnagle, also raised in California, became a musical gypsy, traveling around the globe to learn and perform all types of world music. He studied flamenco guitar in Spain and Turkish Classical music in Turkey, and has performed professionally worldwide.
At their concert Friday night — that garnered a standing ovation followed by an encore — the trio performed Brazilian Samba-Funk, upbeat “caliente” Cuban tunes, soothing bossa nova and Latin love songs.
The event, sponsored by the Garden Wall Clinic in St. Ignatius, was part of the Mission Valley Live concert series. Students were given free admission to the evening concert.
The school corresponding workshops were sponsored by local businesses.
Workshop organizer Sue McCormick said it’s important to give students exposure to world music and a variety of cultures.
Sponsors are needed for upcoming school workshops to be held before the evening shows. For more information on upcoming concerts or to donate to the arts program, visit missionvalleylive.com.
