The U of A Latin American Ensemble, directed by professor Fernando Valencia, has released three new videos on the UA Jazz YouTube channel, two of which are compositions by U of A students. "The videos are not only an important contribution to the documentation of the Latin Ensemble students' progress, but also to showcase their work of the semester through the social media channels of the UARK Jazz Program and the Music Department," Valencia said.

Junio 73

A Latin jazz/salsa hit composed by trombonist/composer and band leader Willie Colón during the 70's-80's salsa explosion time in New York City and adapted for the spring 2023 version of the U of A Latin American Ensemble. This tune was arranged to feature every section of the ensemble, especially the trombone section.

Morning Breeze

Written and arranged by graduate student Juan Santos-Sierra, "the themes for 'Morning Breeze' were inspired on the drastic weather changes that happen daily during the springtime in Fayetteville, starting with a morning breeze and followed by different types of color and scenery changes during this time of the year. The use of five different sections of Latin music styles in the song depicts the weather changes by featuring contrasting instrument personnel within the ensemble."

Sientes Lo Mismo

Written by biomedical engineering student Kerlín Balza, the title "Sientes lo Mismo" translates as "If you feel the same" and was composed, in its original version, as a romantic ballad and was first recorded in Panamá. "The lyrics depict the feeling of forever ruining a very close relationship with your best friend by telling him that you are falling in love," Balza said. This version was recorded with the U of A Latin Ensemble as a salsa version arranged by Valencia.

Valencia writes and arranges all the ensemble's music and routinely assists students on their own compositions and projects. "Professor Valencia's spectacular work with the Latin American Ensemble is a critical component of the U of A Jazz program," said jazz area coordinator Jake Hertzog, "and one of his many extraordinary contributions to the whole department."

The Latin American Ensemble is a for-credit ensemble initially conceived by Valencia in 2012. The course is offered every fall and spring and is open to all students by audition.

These video recordings were made with the support of the U of A Latinx Employee Impact Group (LEIG) and the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion grant.