Los Palos: The Folkloric Music of the Dominican Republic (45 Minutes)

Lifetime

All levels

1 lesson

1 quiz

73 students

Overview
Curriculum
Instructor

Course Description

In this session, we delve into the vibrant folkloric musical traditions known as “Los Palos” from the Dominican Republic. This overview celebrates the island’s rich musical tapestry, shaped by the legacies of the Tainos, West Africans, and Europeans. Discover the cultural significance of Palos music as we explore its rhythmic complexities and spirited melodies. Learn about traditional instruments and immerse yourself in the infectious beats that echo centuries of history and resilience. Palos music’s UNESCO designation as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity underscores its global recognition and enduring importance, affirming its place as a cherished aspect of Dominican heritage. Join us as we journey into the heart of this dynamic musical tradition, embracing its universal appeal and transformative power.

Course Objectives

To understand the cultural and historical context of Palos Music in the Dominican Republic.

To critically listen to several examples.

To identify the traditional instruments used and their rhythmical patterns.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the session, you will be able to explore Palos music.

By the end of the session, you will listen to several Palos music artists.

By the end of the session, you will be able to learn about their traditional instrumentation.

Requirements for Completion

1. Watch the PD video.

2. Take a quiz.

Wanda Vásquez García

Wanda Vásquez García is a general music educator, choir director, advocate, and clinician. A native of the Dominican Republic currently living in Colorado, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, the first University in the American Continent, and a Master's Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral music from the University of Northern Colorado. Currently, she is the general music teacher at Escuela Binlingüe Pioneer, Lafayette Colorado. In addition to teaching, she is also a Co-Coordinator of the Choral Database for the Institute for Composer Diversity and a Music Assistant for the Colorado Children’s Chorale. Wanda is also a published co-author of the Bilingual Children's book “From Across the Street”. A story about the Dominican Folkloric Music “Los Palos”. The pursuit of creating a Diverse, Inclusive, Anti-bias, and Anti-racist music classroom for her students is what brings her to this work as a teacher leader. “Growing up, I didn’t feel represented in the music I studied, sang, and played while a student at the Conservatory in the Dominican Republic. It is this desire to provide a different opportunity for my students that brought me to the music education field.”