SF State Ensemble Keeps Afro-Cuban Jazz Alive

GOLDEN GATE XPRESS -- Director John Calloway has been part of this program for 18 years and learned that music will constantly evolve through his students. He believes a genre that’s so old, but so impactful, should be shared among all musicians, who should use this knowledge to enhance their own style of music.

Also known as Latin jazz, this type of music combines South American rhythms with a “tinge” of Spanish influence, which explains why most of the vocals were sung in Spanish.

“From what I have seen today in our performance, we have come along way since the start of the semester,” Calloway said. “These bright students have exceeded my expectations on what they are capable of doing on stage.”