Bellport High School music students participated in a unique Zoom presentation with the Crane Latin Ensemble on Oct. 1.   

The event, which was coordinated by district Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman, was held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. It featured live musical performances of “Oye Como Va” and “Para Todo El Mundo Rumba,” as well as a hands-on rhythm instrument lesson and a question-and-answer period.

Making the presentation even more special was the opportunity for Bellport music students to hear from two 2019 Bellport graduates who are members of the Crane Latin Ensemble. Tyler Zapata (trumpet) and Andrew Zimlinghaus (alto saxophone) have been performing with the group after auditioning while attending SUNY Potsdam.

The Crane Latin Ensemble is based at SUNY Potsdam under the direction of Dr. Peter McCoy. According to the university’s website, they have toured in Cuba, Mexico and Canada and are dedicated to promoting Latin American dance music, specializing in Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican traditional musical styles. The ensemble collaborates with traditional artists, such as former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, and Los Naranjos, the oldest continuously functioning Son group in Cuba, as well as contemporary artists such as Chris Washburn.