Dartmouth Musicians Bring Mexican Compositions to the International Stage

At the end of my college search, I had to choose between my state school and Dartmouth. I’d decided that if I attended a liberal arts college, I would have to leave music behind. Nevertheless, I decided to sign up for an admitted student program at Dartmouth, and Brian invited me to come listen to the Dartmouth College Wind Ensemble. When I heard them play cumbia, a Latin music genre that I grew up playing, I was shocked. I certainly did not expect to hear cumbia from a college wind ensemble, let alone in a place like New Hampshire. I also didn’t expect to see so much opportunity, support, and interest in this type of music at Dartmouth until Brian told me about the Mexican Repertoire Initiative.

The Mexican Repertoire Initiative started out of curiosity. I wondered, “Why isn’t there more music by Mexican composers?” That got me started on trying to solve two problems: to provide the huge number of talented composers and musicians in Mexico with more platforms for performance and to improve the representation of Mexican music in the United States.

No. A key phrase I use all the time is “regardless of major.” All of the musical and artistic activities at Dartmouth are intended for everyone, no matter their field of study. One of the benefits of music and art at Dartmouth is that every student has access to our premiere faculty and ensembles.

Exactly. There’s a very diverse range of student music groups at Dartmouth. Majors and non-majors have the benefit of time with and mentorship from instructors who really care. Brian in particular has a clear curiosity and willingness to support students’ ideas and creativity.

It’s important to me to do work that is advancing the field of music. When students come to Dartmouth and join my band, I don’t want them to just recreate their high school music experience. I want them to use their high school experience to create and find something new. I want them to join me in advancing their artistry and exploring new territory.

The support of Dartmouth’s Hopkins Center for the Arts and my colleagues in the music department is truly the centerpiece of everything we do. The Mexican Repertoire Initiative—bringing in guest artists, performing at premiere venues—is funded by the Hop. Abi recently took another trip to Mexico with me that was funded by the music department. I’ve never worked anywhere where I felt such unilateral support to pursue my impulsive curiosity. It’s really special.

I’ve found that when you put forth your ideas, Dartmouth will support you. It really hit me when we premiered in Mexico City, and I thought, “Wow, I’m playing music that is so important to me in a place I never thought it would be played with people who understand one another in such a unique way.”

What I love about Dartmouth is that I’m untethered from the expectations of a conservatory or of a music major-dominant program. I get to work with lifelong music makers who are willing to take some risks with me. It’s one reason Dartmouth should be at the top of the list for students who are interested in the arts.