What's become of Latin music?

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 2002 by Frank M. Figueroa

What can we do to avoid the demise of Latin music? First, lobby for the restoration of music programs in public schools. A significant number of Latin musicians received their initial training in school bands.

Latin music can be added to the curriculum of schools in areas where interested students reside. Instruction could be enhanced by the participation of professional Latin artists, something that is happening in the major U.S. cities today with artists such as John Santos and Bobby Sanabria, among many other unsung heroes of the Hispanic musical culture. The establishment of more scholarships to good music schools for deserving young musicians is another plus. National competitions and concerts for Latin musicians should be regularly scheduled.

Knowledge is power, and the youth of today need to hear the roots in order to continue an integral development of Latin music.