Therese Tucker hosted Che Apalache in her Level 3 Spanish class on Halloween. The artists spent time playing a variety of musical styles for the students, explaining the cultural background of each, and talking about their own lives. They discussed immigration and identity politics within the Bluegrass scene. We are so grateful to have such open and accessible artists visiting Helena.
Here’s what Ms. Tucker had to say about the experience:
Because we had this opportunity to host Che Apalache, I created a Rhythms of the Americas music unit for my Spanish 3 classes so students could learn about several different genres of Latin American music – cumbia, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, tango, vallenato, chicha, etc. Having them visit has given us all a cool an opportunity to talk about cultural expression, using art to express identity and place, and music as protest in new and interesting ways. I have had lots of great feedback and will be doing this unit again next year!
I spent an hour today chatting after school with a senior who said, “It was genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s something I never would’ve done if I wouldn’t have taken this class this year. I want to travel and study abroad now. There music was really good and I was just grinning ear to ear the whole time they were here!”
photos by Jason O’Neil
