“LATINIZING”

YOUR SCHOOL
JAZZ ENSEMBLE:

PRACTICAL
SUGGESTIONS
FOR ACHIEVING
AN AUTHENTIC
LATIN SOUND

Michele Fernandez Denlinger

Clinician

Also featuring : The ‘’Caliente’’ Rhythm Section

Mr. Jose Antonio Diaz, Director

December 14, 2016

The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic
Chicago, Ill
 Playing and teaching the various forms of Latin music should not be viewed as an
enigmatic challenge, although this undertaking is often described as such by music
instructors everywhere. It is actually quite simple if one has access to the right concepts
and patterns. During my years as a high school director I had the opportunity (and
necessity) to observe and develop rehearsal techniques that allowed the jazz ensemble
at Miami High to achieve the authentic sound that my students so much enjoyed sharing
through many venues. However, it was only after my later experiences as a clinician,
conference speaker and adjudicator that I actually made an attempt to collate and
organize the principles and techniques I (sometimes unconsciously) applied with my
students throughout my time as a director. This handout contains some basic principles
and rehearsal suggestions that I hope will help any director/student unfamiliar with some
of the major styles in this genre (and perhaps those a bit more familiar as well) to begin to
teach and explore this infectious brand of music with more vigor and authenticity.
Most of all: Have a great time; “Latin” music is truly a blast to play and teach!

Michele
*Questions/assistance regarding any material in this presentation will be promptly
(and gladly) answered. Please refer to Section VII: Clinician BIO for contact info.

I. Overview of Common Styles II. Clave and Clave-like Patterns

III. Rehearsal Suggestions for “Latinizing” Your Jazz Ensemble
IV. Common Rhythm Section Patterns for Popular Latin Styles
V. Latin Music Glossary VI. Recommended Listening
VII. Clinician’s BIO VIII. References

I. Overview of Styles
1. Common Non-Cuban Styles (based not on a “Clave” but a clave-like rhythmic “pulse”)

Bossa Nova (Brazilian)

 Late 50’s: “Cool Jazz” wave softened traditional samba, creating this new style
 Guitar/voice (Portugese) major elements; Guitar joined in on traditional drum syncopation
 Enter progressions & alt. chords assoc w/ jazz
 Clave-like pulse mimics Cuban Son Clave but delays 2nd note in “2” measure by 1/2 beat

Bossa Clave-like Pattern compared to: Traditional 3/2 Cuban “Son Clave”

Samba (Brazilian)
 Predecessor of Bossa Nova
 Very popular, authentic Brazilian style
 Portugese and African Influences
 Common styles include Samba Batucada, Carnival Samba, Samba Moderno and Baiao
 “2” feel (cut time or 2/4); Often up-tempo
 “2” slightly accented (open tone of authentic “surdo” bass drum)
 2/3/2 “Clave-like” pattern commonly used
 3

Merengue (Dominican)
• Very popular dance form from Dominican Republic
• Generally fast in tempo with strong “1, 2” dance feel
• Like salsa, an internationally commercial style
• Much use of accordions & saxophones w/ “signature” instruments: Guira & Tambora

2. Cuban Styles
• Recall these next forms are built upon the actual “clave” rhythmic patterns…

Cha-Cha-Cha
 Cuban Dance style emerged from the Cuban Danzon
 Worldwide audience appeal in 50’s
 Played in 4/4 yet has a bouncy 2/4 feel
 Name describes sound made by dancers’ feet (cha-cha- CHA- --)
 Name condensed to “cha-cha”

Bolero
• Cuba’s version of the “ballad”/love song; highly popular style in Spanish world
• Usually slower in tempo
• Some jazz ballads can convert easily to Boleros by simply adding signature rhythm
• “Signature” rhythm played by Congas:

Salsa: Recall this term includes styles like Son, Son Montuno, Mambo, etc…
• “Marriage” of Spanish melodies/harmonies to African rhythms
• Usually up-tempo
• Cuban Son style provide main basis
• Interlocking rhythmic “puzzle” is built upon Son Clave (2/3 or 3/2)
• Salsa Main Rhythmic Elements each have their own “nickname” (besides
maraca/guiro parts – the patters below detailed in “Pattern Sources” section):
• The Bass “Tumbao”
• The Piano “Montuno”
• The Timbales “Cascara” and “Campaneo”
• The Congas “Tumbao”
• The Bongos “Martillo”
Mambo
• Driving, up-tempo dance style which evolved/gained wide popularity 40’s & 50’s
• Closest “cousin” to modern Salsa; likewise based on Son clave
• Like “Salsa”: rooted in Cuban Son style infused with Amer. jazz elements
• Uses many of same “salsa” patterns but at a faster tempo
• FYI: “Mambo” also means: Instrumental interlude in a Salsa/Son Muntuno piece

Afro-Cuban 6/8
• Derived from W. African rhythms in 6/8 feels
• Clave generally played on cowbell
• Several 6/8 styles (Abakua, Rumba Columbia, Bembe, etc)
• Many use same “Signature” Clave pattern (see “Afro-Cuban Clave” on next page)
• Patterns on other drums often define specific style of 6/8
 II. A Closer Look at Clave and Clave-like Patterns
• Repetitive, 2-bar rhythmic pattern used in AFRO-CUBAN forms
o Non- Cuban styles (Samba, Bossa, Merengue, etc) do not have a clave per se
but themselves adhere to their own characteristic clave-like pattern listed above
• The clave sets the stage for interlocking PUZZLE of rhythms built upon it
• Rhythmic patterns played by students MUST adhere to the established clave !!
• Clave and African bell patterns similarities support theories of the Clave’s African origins
• Basic Clave Types Include
o Son (a.k.a “Salsa”)
o Rumba (slight variation of Son)
o Afro Cuban 6/8

• Clave pattern can go in two directions: 3/2 “forward” or 2/3 “reverse”

o “What kind of ‘clues’ can indicate Clave direction?
 Strong “On” beats can reveal 2-side of clave
 “Off” beats can reveal 3-side of clave
• More Hints for Addressing the Clave…
o Remember clave does not have to be played throughout entire chart
o Can start out w/clave and then if other rhythmic patterns are played correctly, the
clave will be “felt
• Aux perc plays clave and/or drummer/timbale player can cover clave at
other times on hi-hat or mounted woodblock

Son Clave (assoc with “salsa” forms such as Son, Son-Montuno, Mambo, Guaracha, etc)
3/2 Forward 2/3 Reverse

Rumba Clave (associated with folkloric forms such as Rumbas, Congas, etc)

3/2 Forward 2/3 Reverse

Afro-Cuban 6/8 Clave

6
8
 III. Rehearsal Suggestions for “Latinizing” Your Jazz Ensemble
Choosing a Chart:
• Decide on a style to play
o For group w/ limited Latin experience: Bossa or Samba is a good start
o More experienced groups: Salsa or Afro-Cuban 6/8 provides good challenge
• Look for charts with suggested rhythm section parts written in score

Once you have chosen your chart:

• Determine type of clave & direction (ie. Son 2/3, Son 3/2, Afro Cuban etc)
• Research proper rhythmic patterns
• Explain concept of clave & interlocking rhythmic patterns to entire band
• Decide on rhythm instrumentation
• Teach rhythm section BASIC groove FIRST

Hints for Determining the Style and TYPE of Clave …

 Title Clues or Genre noted by arranger should end the dilemma, but if not…
• Son (Salsa), Rumba, Afro-Cuban 6/8?
o Examine arrangement (tempo, instrumenttion etc)
o Piano parts (comped or arpeggiated? Bossa/Samba generally do not
arpeggiate)
• Bossa, Samba, Merengue?
o Look for tell-tale clave-like pattern in chart (esp. in suggested drum parts)
o Bass line good indicator of Bossa or Samba (whereas Salsa has tied rhythms,
so if bass line looks like this it may be Bossa or Samba):

Gmin 7 C7

Notice the eighth notes in the bassline usually anticipate the next chord tone…

General “Latin” Rehearsal Tips: Horn Section

 Listen and lock in to rhythmic puzzle
 Horns are key pieces as well!
 Intensity generated by rhythm section MUST be complimented by horns; So stress
proper articulation!
o “Doo” (legato)
o “Dit” (staccato)
o “Dat” (marcato)
o “Dah” (accent)

General “Latin” Rehearsal Tips Soloists

• Listen to soloists in specific genre to absorb the proper “feel”
• Harmonic elements may not necessarily be complex; rhythmic elements key
• Like any other style, have soloists rehearse with rhythm section

Teaching the Grooves to your Rhythm Section:

Once you determine type of clave, direction & proper rhythmic patterns:
• Decide on rhythm instrumentation (Drums? Congas,? Timbales?
• Rehearse rhythm section alone
• Work rhythmic “puzzle” in layers (1st Drums, add bass, add piano, etc)
• Rehearse bass and drums at length; they must be tight
o All other elements of percussion section and piano can then be worked in
• Try tapping straight ¼’s first until everyone gets their patterns down
o Starting with clave first may confuse
o Once patterns are solid have everyone lock in to clave
• Once basic groove is acquired, formulate a rhythm “road map”
 6
Drum Set Substitutions for “Missing” Elements
 Different styles utilize various perc instruments; you may not have everything on the list!
o Extract major rhythmic patterns & mold them to fit your ensemble
 Some possibilities for absent elements:
o Conga: Main hits (“2”, “4+”) of conga part played on the toms
• OK even if conga player available as drummer is only covering main hits
o Timbales: “Cascara” (shell) played on cymbals, floor tom shell, or cowbell
• Cascara should not be doubled
o Timbales: “Campaneo” (salsa/mambo bell pattern) played on cymbal or cowbell
• Campaneo should not be doubled
o Claves: Play on woodblock, hi-hat, cowbell
o Maracas and Guiro: played on closed hi-hat
o AC 6/8 bell pattern: on crown of ride cymbal
o Triangle: (Brazilian) Play on hi-hat/ride crown or ride crown

*See “Pattern Sources for Drummer” below for key Salsa patterns for single drum set

Rehearsal Hints for Your Rhythm Section Players

• The GROOVE is the key; get “lost” in it
• Know your role in rhythmic “puzzle” and how various pieces fit together
• Avoid over-embellishing
• Make sure to get the section tight
• Change “colors” (ex. Can play cascara on side of floor tom, then hi-hat, then ride cym)
• Incorporate characteristic tutti fills (“cierres”)
• DON’T OVERPOWER THE WINDS !!!!

Salsa-Specific Rehearsal Suggestions

• Same as general Latin rehearsal suggestions above, in addition:
• Find a “legit” salsa recording to share
• Explain different patterns of Salsa groove (clave, tumbao, montuno, cascara, etc.)
• Try starting with straight ¼ note taps until players are at least able to play patterns
o Starting by tapping clave first may confuse due to syncopation
• Layer rhythm elements (suggested order):
o Bass Dr. w/ Hi-Hat, add Cascara, then Toms
o Add Bass Guitar
o Add Congas
o Add Piano
• Remember: Two-bar patterns (piano, congas, timbales) must reverse to adjust for
clave direction!! (ie, 3/2 or 2/3)

Addressing the Clave with Your Band

• Explain the Clave (basis of rhythmic puzzle, 2/3 versus 3/2 etc.)
 Have an auxiliary percussion player play clave on a wood block
 This player can switch to another (appropriate) auxiliary percussion part whenever the
drummer takes over the clave “duties”
o Drummer can cover clave on hi-hat or mounted woodblock
• Remember clave does not have to be played throughout entire chart
o Can start out w/clave and then…
o If other rhythmic patterns are played correctly, the clave will be “felt”…
 7
Recalling That the Salsa Main Rhythmic Elements Include
1. The Bass “Tumbao”
2. The Piano “Montuno”
3. The Timbales “Cascara”/ “Campaneo”
4. The Congas “Tumbao”
5. The Bongos “Martillo”

1. Son “Salsa” Bass: The “Tumbao”

• 1 or 2-bar repeating vamp outlining Root & Fifth of chord

Standard “Tumbao” bass line

Gm7

v
v

v
v

v
v

v
• …while in faster-moving progressions such as lC– FGlG– FCl the
bass player generally outlines roots only (as opposed to root & fifth) but still using the
above signature “anticipatory” salsa rhythm (“Tumbao”)

In general:
• Tied notes anticipate and “announce” the chord changes
• Passing tones can/should be added occasionally
• Bass player can certainly embellish (sparsely) but needs to stay close to true bass line
o Bass line should be played smoothly; Accent each note (esp. beat 4)
o Listen hard for similar Bass Drum

Obstacles in teaching the “Tumbao” bass rhythm:

• Ties & syncopation difficult for young players; Beat 4 accent often confusing
o Try starting with a simplified line removing 1st tie then working it back in
o Temporary whole note gives a resting point to retry the rhythm

Gm7 Continue vamp until mastered... then add 1 st tie…

v
v
v

o Once the above “starter” line is solid, omit the resting point whole note and loop
the continuous vamp to achieve “standard Tumbao bass line" above

2. Salsa Piano: The “Montuno”

• Generally a two-bar vamp used in Cuban “Salsa” forms (Son, Son-Montuno, Mambo, etc)
• Piano’s role both rhythmic & harmonic
o “Stole the job” of authentic Son style’s Tres Guitar
o Outlines triads w/extensions
o Voice-leading very important (chromatic passing tones are a chief element heard
throughout the montuno line)
o Notably arpeggiated (whereas Brazilian forms use more block chord “comping”)
o Piano “Montuno” should be played smoothly
• Like Conga/ Timbale 2-bar patterns: Piano must adjust to clave direction (3/2 or 2/3)
• Downbeat measure falls on 2-side of the clave; off-beats fall on “3” side
• Chord is NOT reversed to fit clave, only rhythm

Piano Montuno in 3/2 (“forward” clave):

Gmin 7 F7

b b
# # b
 8
Basic Piano “Montuno” in 2/3 (“reverse” clave- common in Son-Montuno style)
Gmin 7 F7

b b b b #

 More authenticity: Right hand pinky can be added for octave doubling of all thumb notes
 Most Basic Left Hand Playing: Mirroring Right Hand
 Richer Harmonies: Left hand can also play different chord inversions (same rhythm as
right hand)

3. Timbales: “Cascara” and “Campaneo” Patterns

• Cascara literally means “shell” and is a key salsa pattern
o Played on shell of floor tom, can be played on hi-hat or ride for color change
o Generally used for more subdued sections
• Campaneo literally means “ a rhythm played on (cow)bell” and steps up intensity
o Generally played on mounted cowbell, can be played on ride for color change
 Timbale 2-bar patterns must ALWAYS adjust to clave direction (3/2 or 2/3); Simply
reverse the measures

TOP Line: Cascara in 2/3 BOTTOM: “Campaneo” in 2/3

4. Conga: The “Tumbao” (Conga rhythm named similarly to Bass “Tumbao”)

Conga Notation: Basic Conga two-bar pattern in 2/3

R= Right Hand HT ST HT OO HT SO OP OO
L= Left Hand
O= Open Tone
C= Closed Tone
S= Slap Tone
P= Palm Tone LL RL LL RR LL RR RL RR
H= Heel of Hand
T= Tip of Hand

A.Conga rhythm may be difficult at first so try introducing a “bare bones” pattern first:
(RH: Slap “2” , Open hit on “4 +” ; Highlights Main Conga Hits while LH: Palm hit on beats
“1” and “3” for a time-keeping function)

Tone: P S P OO
BEAT: 1 2 3 4+
Hand: L R L RR

B. Stepping up to the basic one-bar pattern (beginner pattern which should be stepped up
to two-bar pattern)
HT ST HT OO

LL RL LL RR
 9
C. Moving to the standard two-bar pattern
 IMPORTANT: Like 2-bar Piano “Montuno”: Conga 2-bar “Tumbao” must adjust to fit
clave direction
o Measure with double “Open” RH hit on lower drum falls on 3- side of clave
o Simply reverse bars for 3/2 clave

Basic Conga with 2/3 clave

5. Bongos : “Martillo Pattern

 Martillo literally means “hammer”
 Bongo player plays this pattern but also has a solo function during standard rhythm
section grooves and also pick up hand-held cowbell during more intense sections
 See “Pattern Sources for Drummer” below for Bongo Martillo pattern

6. SONGO VARIATION FOR DRUM SET: Taking “Salsa” up a notch …

• Popular modern set style; most imitated today
• Mixture of several styles such as: Son (Salsa), Rumba, Funk, Fusion, etc.
• Works well with more intense sections
• Drummer should a have firm grasp on patterns of different styles

Basic Songo Drumset Pattern

Ride
Sn.

H.H.
B.D.

,
 10

Rhythm Section “Extras”

1. Supporting the Soloist
2. El “Ponche”
3. El “Cierre”
4. The “Road Map”
5. Featuring Your Rhythm Section

1. Supporting the Soloist

• When soloist enters, reduce volume
• Reduce # of percussion instruments
• Drummer move to “quieter” parts of drum set
• Cascara on hi-hat or floor tom shell good start
• Piano and esp. Bass solo should use minimal perc (ex. hi-hat alone playing
“cascara” pattern)
• As solo develops and intensifies:
• Drum set can step it up
• Bring in other aux. percussion instruments
• Campaneo then Songo ok for extended solo develop.

2. The “Ponche”
• Slang for “punch”; Happens on beat “4”
• Strong accent point in Cuban styles as well as a “takeoff” point for new phrases
• A small touch that adds authenticity, stability
V
(Time)

3. The “Cierre” (pronounced See- eh-rreh)

 Literally means “the closing”
 Improvised tutti fill by rhythm section
 Signals the end of a major section/phrase
 Can be one or two bars
 Can even include different clave rhythms
 Adds more authenticity to the piece
 Cierre incorp. into end of phrase (not added on)
o ie, cut short the 4 or 8 bar phrases to fit in these cierres (ex. A two-bar cierre in
an 8-bar phrase would be 6 bars of time and the cierre tacked onto the end)

Typical Cierre (although an endless array can be improvised)

Another “cierre” idea can utilize the 3/2/Rumba clave, however, you have to replace the
last 2 bars of the groove and replace it with this (regardless of what style you are playing-
it works!)
Rumba 3/2 Forward
 11

4. “Road Map” Planning: Who plays what- and where?

 Ex: Gmin/C7 vamp in 2/3 Son Clave: Bass/Congas/piano are constant while…

A. Drummer play cascara while Timbale plays 2/3 clave for 8 bars, insert “cierre” #1 (for
“mp” subdued sections like a laid back intro, the first A, or a solo entrance)

B. Drummer play cowbell while Timbale goes to cascara for 8 bars, insert “cierre” #2
(“mf” building sections)

C. Drummer plays “Songo” variation while Timbale goes to campaneo pattern on

mounted cowbell (doing clave w/left hand), end w/ “cierre” #3 (“f” all-out sections)

5. Featuring Your Rhythm Section

 Trading “Fours” or “Eights” is a good feature vehicle:
o Other rhythm players must yield to soloist
• Simplify rhythms and/or drop out accordingly
• Someone can play time (straight ¼’s for soloist)
o Establish an order: Rhythm can go several “rounds”
 Rhythm section can even change styles
o Ex. Son-Montuno (Salsa) to Afro-Cuban 6/8 and back

IV. Common Rhythm Section Patterns for Popular Latin Styles

The following pages contain basic patterns suitable for various Latin styles.

 The pages with multi-perc patterns are for groups with several available players.
 The drums-only pattern page integrates main rhythmic patterns for rhythm sections
where the only percussionist available is the drummer.
 The piano and bass patterns for the various styles appear on a separate page.

This clinician endorses the books listed in the references section as an invaluable resource
for a wide variety of patterns to be used by your entire rhythm section.
 Piano: top staff
Bass Gtr: bottom staff
G min C

G min C

G min C

G min F7
F7

G min F7
 Bossa Nova for Percussion Combo
(Note: these BASIC rhythms work for sections with multiple
players; add piano/bass excerpts from preceding page

Ride
Sn.

Drum
Set

B. D.
ADD: Hi Hat choking on “2” & “4” throughout NOTE: Snare pattern is cross-stick

Triangle

+= Closed Strike O= Open Strike

Maracas

Samba (Basic Patterns) for Percussion Combo

Ride
Sn.

Drum Set

B. D.
ADD: Hi Hat choking on “2” & “4” throughout NOTE: Snare pattern is cross-stick
style

Bongos

Triangle

+= Closed Strike O= Open

Strike

Agogo
Bells

(from Samba Batucada)

style)
 “Salsa” for Percussion Combo
(Note: these BASIC rhythms work for sections with multiple players; add piano/bass excerpts from piano pg

Groove #1 “Cascara” (play on timbale shell) Groove #2 “Campaneo” (play on mounted Cowbell or Ride
Crown)

Timbales
In 2/3
Clave

2/3 Clave played on wdblk/small mounted cowbell

Congas
In 2/3
Clave

Cowbl
Sn/Tom
s
Drum Set
In 2/3
Clave
B.D
. ADD: Hi-Hat choking on “2” & “4” throughout

Bongos

Groove #3 “Songo” variation for Drum Set (other perc. instr. may continue above
Ride
Sn grooves)

Drum
Set

B.D.
ADD: Hi-Hat choking on “2” & “4” throughout

IMPORTANT: Recall that (1) “Salsa” includes styles such as Son, Son-Montuno, Mambo, etc.,
(2) that the 2-bar patterns above must be reversed to fit clave direction, ie. 2/3 as opposed to 3/2)
(3) Groove #1 (“Cascara” pattern), #2 (“Campaneo” pattern) and #3 (“Songo” style ) increase intensity respectively
 Drum Set Patterns for Single Percussionist

Ride
Hi-Hat

Bossa
in 2/3
Sn
B.D NOTE: Snare pattern is cross-stick
.
Ride
Hi-Hat
Samba
in 2/3
Sn NOTE: Snare pattern is cross-stick
B.D
.
Cwbl.
Snare

Cha-Cha

B.D.
Hi-Hat
Snare
Fl tom shell
Sn/toms
“Salsa”
(Son-Montuno)
in 2/3 clave
B.D.
Hi-Hat
Ride or CwBl
Sn/Toms
Songo
in 2/3
Clave
B.D.
Hi-Hat

Cwbl
Sn
Afro-
Cuban
6/8
B.D.
H.H.

Note: Patterns here extract some key patterns used by absent authentic instruments.
These are basic and should be supplemented by researching percussion books cited
in reference section as well as other sources.
 V. Latin Music Glossary
1. Styles
Bolero: The Latin version of the ballad/love song, the Bolero carries a characteristic conga
pattern making this style easily identifiable (mentioned in detail in previous sections)

Cha-cha-cha An authentic Cuban dance form that gained popularity in the ‘50’s and was named
after the sound made by the dancers’ feet (cha-cha-cha).

Guaguanco: A drum form related to the RUMBA having African roots; it is often played in 4/4 with
a strong 6/8 feel. Many musicians consider this style as a separate form in itself.

Guaracha: Similar to the Son-Montuno, it is dance form most commonly used by Salsa groups and
has a fast, brisk rhythm with a basic chica-chica pulse.

Latin jazz: A contemporary integration of American jazz and various styles of Latin music.

Mambo: an Afro-Cuban form; the big band MAMBO of the ‘50s boasted an intense, driving feel
with interweaving saxophone/brass lines, driving bell patterns and salsa-type drum grooves.

Merengue: From Dominican Republic, a highly popular dance form w/ an energetic 2/4 rhythm.

Rumba: A folkloric Cuban drum form sometimes confused for the traditional Cuban Son style. It
utilizes the Rumba clave as its fundamental rhythmic pulse and includes several forms such as the
Conga, Cumbia and Guaguanco.

Salsa: Coined in the late 1960s this modern umbrella term for hot, up-tempo, hot Latin music
literally means “sauce”. Salsa includes many styles such as son, Son-Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo
and Songo.

Son: Perhaps the oldest Afro-Cuban form and the main predecessor of modern Salsa; the Son’s
structure built upon the Son clave and its rhythm is notably syncopated. The Son has been referred
to as Cuba’s version of the Blues.

Son-Montuno: A reverse-clave (2/3) dance form, the Son-Montuno developed as a separate form
from the general SON tradition although it shares many similar characteristics. It was one of the
first forms to include an improvised section (Montuno section). Though it is not generally fast, this
Afro-Cuban form has an intense quality highly characteristic of the modern Salsa style.

Songo: A highly imitated modern Cuban “salsa” rhythm. It is a personalized blend of Rumba/Son
styles integrated with funk/fusion and jazz improve styles. The rhythmic patterns are more
syncopated and less repetitious than the vamp approach of traditional styles.

Bossa Nova (Brazilian Style): a style of music that arguably resulted from the Cool Jazz influence
on Samba; this flowing song-form combines African and Portuguese influences.

Samba (Brazilian): Predecessor of Bossa Nova- the Samba is a traditional form using syncopated
rhythms. There are several styles including Batucada, Modern Samba and Baiao.

2. Instruments
Bongo: Small double drum held between the knees of the seated musician.

Clave: (Not to be confused with “the Clave” rhythmic pattern): Twin strikers of resonant wood used
to play the CLAVE pattern.

Cencerro: A large hand-held cowbell struck with a thick stick and producing two tones depending
on whether struck at the top or open bottom. In a Salsa piece it is usually played by the bongo
player when the band goes into Mambo (instrumental interlude) section after main vocal section.

Conga: A major perc instrument in the SALSA rhythm section; the typical set-up can include one,
two or three drums of different sizes- the small QUINTO, mid CONGA, and larger TUMBADORA.

Guiro: Used in Cuban forms, it is made from a notched gourd and played w/ a stick-like scraper.
Guira: (Dominican Republic) The metal version of the Cuban gourd guiro, is played with a metal,
fork-like stick and is a characteristic instrument used in merengue.

Maracas: Gourd-made rattles filled with seeds or small stones.

Shekere (or Chekere): A large, African-derived rattle made from a gourd and covered with a net-
like pattern of beads

Timbales: Used chiefly in Afro-Cuban forms- a percussion set-up consisting of two small metal-
single headed drums mounted on a stand, with two cowbells, and very often a cymbal or other
additions. The timbalero (timbale player) plays the “cascara” part on the shell. And the crucial
“campaneo” pattern on the mounted cowbell.

Brazilian Instruments

Agogo: Two or three bells joined together and played by striking with a stick.

Cabasa: a coconut shell with small seashells strung around it. The modern version is a wooden
cylinder using a metal cover and beads. It is played by rubbing the beads against its metal cover.

Ciaxia: a metal snare carried with a sling.

Cuica: a small drum with a skin at one end with an attached stick at its center. It is played by
rubbing the stick through the open end with a wet rag or sponge. The sound produced can be (very
loosely) thought of as similar to a plastic straw being quickly pulled in and out of a cup lid.

Ganza: a shaker.

Pandeiro: a thin, tambourine-like drum.

Reco-Reco: Brazil’s version of the Cuban gourd guiro, the reco-reco is made out of notched
bamboo and scraped by using a thin stick.

Repenique: carried on the body, a small two-headed tenor drum played with a stick.

Surdo: a large bass drum carried with a sling and played with a mallet. It provides the main
“heartbeat-like” pulse of the samba.

Tamborin: a small, hand-held 6” diameter drum played with a stick.

3. “Lingo”
Cierre: Improvised tutti break (like jazz break), cierres are highly characteristic of the salsa style.

Clave: A two-bar repetitive rhythmic pattern which constitutes the basis of all Cuban music. All
elements of arrangement and improvisation should fit the proper clave, which can either be a
forward 3/2 clave or reverse 2/3 clave. Different Clave styles include (1) the Son Clave (Salsa styles
such as Son, Son-Montuno, Mambo, etc, (2) the Rumba Clave (folkloric styles like Rumba, Conga,
etc) and (3) the Afro-Cuban 6/8 Clave. Non-Cuban forms may not have a clave per se but also
have their own clave-like pulse to which all elements must adhere.

Conjunto: Musical group or “combo”.

Descarga: Slang of Latin musicians for jam session; literally means “discharge”.

Mambo Section: Instrumental interlude section of a “Salsa” piece.

Montuno Section: A improvisational (solo section) using two or three-chord rhythm section
vamping patterns behind soloist.

Tumbao: The name of a repeated rhythmic pattern played specifically by the bass and/or conga
drums. Both the Bass and Conga Tumbao are fundamental puzzle pieces to the salsa ensemble.
 VI. Recommended Listening
Soloists
Flute Piano

 Dave Valentin Trumpet  Chucho Valdez

 Nestor Torres  Charlie Palmieri
 Mario Bauza  Eddie Palmieri
Saxophone  Dizzy Gillespie  Michel Camilo
 Jerry Gonzalez  Hilton Ruiz
 Paquito D'Rivera  Charlie Sepulveda  Gonzalo Rubalcaba
 Stan Getz (Brazilian)  Arturo Sandoval
 Claudio Roditi (Brazilian) Percussion
Vocals
Trombone  Chano Pozo
 Celia Cruz  Tito Puente
 Ruben Blades  Papo Vasquez  Jerry Gonzalez
 Astrud Gilberto  Juan Pablo Torres  Pancho Sanchez
(Brazilian)  Mongo Santamaria
 Oscar de Leon Bass  Ray Barretto
 Giovanni Hidalgo
Vibraphone  Israel “Cachao” Lopez
 Oscar D'Leon Drum Set
 Cal Tjader  Joao Gilberto (Brazilian)  Guillermo Barreto
 Ignacio Berroa
 Jose Luis Quintana

Discography
Ray Barreto Tito Puente

 Que Viva la Musica Paquito D’Rivera  Cuban Carnival

 Ritmo de la Vida  Manhattan Burn  Mamborama
 40 Years of Cuban Jam  Para los Rumberos
Ruben Blades  Un Poco Loco
Jerry Gonzales
 Obatala
 Caminando Arsenio Rodriguez
 Escenas  Ignacio Berroa
Grupo Niche
 “Changuito” Quintana
 Grandes Exitos
Willie Colon  Enrique Pla
El Gran Combo
Arturo Sandoval
 El Juicio  Mejor Que Nunca
 El Tren Latino
 El Malo  25th Anniversary
 La Gran Fuga Mongo Santamaria
Irakere
 Sabroso
Orquesta Tipica  Chekere Son
 Greatest Hits
 Irakere en Vivo (Live)
 Rumba Caliente Chucho Valdez
Machito  Lucumi Piano Solo
Celia Cruz
 Afro-Cuban Jazz Los Van Van
 Machito Plays Mambo  Songo
 Gran Exitos
 Cuba y Pierto Rico  De Cuba los Van Van
Son (w/ Tito Puente)
 VII. Clinician’s BIO
Michele Fernandez Denlinger graduated from Miami Senior High in 1985 and attended Univ. of
FL on full scholarship for Oboe with plans to major in education and enter law school. After
graduating cum laude in ‘89 with her B.A., Michele traded in her law school plans after an invitation
to return to her Alma Mater to teach band, where, during the next ten years her Marching,
Symphonic and Jazz Bands earned high ratings at evaluations and were selected for feature Jazz
band appearances at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago (1993 and 1998), the Intl. Assoc. of Jazz
Educators Conference (1994, Boston and 1999, NY), the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland
(1996) and the FMEA All-State Convention (’94 and ’97 Tampa, FL), while also being featured in
numerous national publications. In 1999 Michele was featured as an outstanding educator on
“CBS Sunday Morning” and was a recipient of a Downbeat Magazine national educator award,
as well as FEA teacher of the year at MHS. While teaching at MHS she earned her Master’s from
F.I.U., where she later served as adjunct professor in the Music Ed. Department. In addition she
served as clinician at various festivals, local arranger and drill writer, and performed as a pianist
in a local salsa band for several years. After taking a four-year leave in 1999 to care for her family,
Michele returned to Miami High in 2003 and taught Special Ed. reading, served as a chemistry
tutor for the ESOL department and taught English and Science in a 9th Grade Special Education
inclusion class. Michele co-presented a clinic offering an overview of Latin rhythms with
composer/arranger Victor Lopez (hosted by Alfred Publishing) at the Midwest International
Band/Orchestra Clinic in Chicago (’05). Michele presently teaches band and orchestra at Coral
Way K-8 Bilingual Center in Miami and frequently serves as a band clinician as well as a
district/state-level adjudicator.
Michele can be reached for handout/ clinician inquiries at [email protected]

VIII. Materials/References Used for This Presentation Include:

Campos, Carlos: Salsa and Afro Cuban Montunos for Piano, ADG Productions, 15517 Cordary
Ave. Lawndale, CA 90260

Dunscomb, J. Richard., & Hill, L. Willie: Jazz Pedagogy, The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and
Resource Guide, Warner Bros. Publications, Distributed by Alfred Publishing Co, P.O. Box 10003,
Van Nuys, CA. 91410, 2002.

Mouleon, Rebecca: Salsa Guidebook for Piano & Ensemble Sher Music Co. 1993
Uribe, Ed: The essence of Afro-Cuban Percussion & Drum Set, Warner Brothers Publications, dist.
by Alfred Publishing Company, P.O. Box 10003, Vn Nuys, CA. 91410, 1996.

Uribe, Ed: The Essence of Brazilian Percussion & Drum Set, Warner Brothers Publications, dist.
by Alfred Publishing. Co, P.O. Box 10003, Vn Nuys, CA.

Clinic: Victor Lopez, Michele Fernandez Denlinger and Anthony Falcone: Latin Music, Mystery
Unraveled. Presented at the 2005 Midwest Clinic; hosted by Alfred Publishing

Some excerpts from glossary from the AFRO-CUBAN RHYTHMS FOR DRUMSET by Frank
Malabe and Bob Weiner, published by Manhattan Music, Inc. Distributed by CPP Media 15800
N.W. 48th Avenue, Miami, Fl. 33014 and Alfred Publishing (www.alfred.com)
 Special Acknowledgements:

Mr. Jose Antonio Diaz and the ‘’Caliente’’ Rhythm Section

A warm thanks also to:

J. Richard Dunscomb and Mr. Jeffrey Daeschler of the Midwest Clinic

Mr. Jesus Gonzalez. Principal Palmetto Middle School
Mr. Chad Denlinger