Banda Music: Passion for Life
Tara A. Spears
A highlight of most local parties, events, or community celebrations is live music in the evenings. The power of music is that it’s absolutely a bridge that connects all ages, all people, all backgrounds. Mexican music is the heartbeat of its heritage and culture.
In fact, when most people think of Mexico, they think beaches, tequila and mariachi. But there are other popular types of music such as the Banda style and Rancho music. To me, Banda is similar to blues, Rancho to country, and mariachi to pop. I like them all but LOVE Banda because it is so energetic to dance to.
The diverse heritage of Mexico is reflected in a range of musical styles and genres. While indigenous people provided the foundation, contemporary Mexican music was produced during and after Spanish colonization, according to Musician wave. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the music adopted a more nationalist fervor and greater emphasis was placed on maintaining a national artistic identity. Today, traditional music as well as Mexican contemporary music continues to be embraced throughout Mexico and to be enjoyed around the world.
Banda music’s main characteristic is that it mixes wind instruments such as clarinets, trumpets, trombone, saxophone with a drum and cymbals. Banda music has a subcategory called Banda Sinaloense, in reference to the state from which it originates that is located in the northwest part of Mexico.
It is common in Mexico to have a specific dance that celebrates each state or region. There is a particular dance for Banda called quebradita. This dance has the influence of polka but with a faster tempo. Most of the time this couple dance requires close proximity as they swirl around the dance floor. It just seems so joyful to me!
Banda music is a type of regional Mexican music that primarily utilizes wind music, predominantly brass and percussion. Banda music is influenced by the rhythms of traditional dances such as waltz, polka, and son, as well as more modern inspirations such as electronic music techniques. Banda music is frequently hyperactive, encouraging dancers to jump, spin, and swing their partners.
Popular music artists that were recommended to me are: Banda el Recodo, Banda MS and la arrolladora Banda el Limón. Banda has influences mainly of German and French folk music from the early 20th century. Today, Banda music encompasses a range of styles including ballads, salsa, bachata, mambos, tangos, and swing.
Possibly the most popular Banda song is “El Sinaloense”. Banda MS is now one of the most important bandas in Mexico and the United States. It was created in 2003 and its name comes from the letters of Mazatlán, Sinaloa. They have collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dog and headlined important concerts.
As songstress Celina Cruz says: “No hay que llorar, que la vida es un carnaval, y las penas se van cantando. There is no need to cry, life is a fiesta, and the sorrows go away by singing.’ What I love about Mexican music is its passion, energy and ability to touch the heart.
Another power of Banda is that you can see a 60 year-old couple dancing next to a 18 year-old couple and enjoying the same music. Banda music connects with the listener no matter what their language. Stroll down to the Penita plaza to enjoy the wonderful dance performances and live music.
