Third graders from the Perry Elementary School enjoyed a treat Monday when they traveled to the Des Moines Civic Center to the Sones de México Ensemble, a premier folk music group from Chicago, and their favor was returned Wednesday when the members of Sones de México visited their classrooms in Perry.
Shaylena Bell and Devin Schroeder, music instructors at the Perry Elementary School, said the in-school visit by the musicians was rapidly organized.
“It came as kind of a surprise,” Bell said. “We’re so glad they were able to arrange their schedules and come to Perry for part of their outreach.”
Schroeder said it was “just a coincidence” that the musicians came to Perry so near to the Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The third graders attended a one-hour performance Monday as part of the Des Moines Performing Arts Applause Series, which connects performances to in-class curriculum in an opportunity to learn about and through the arts.
The Sones de México Ensemble specializes in Mexican “son,” that is, songs, including the regional styles of huapango, gustos, chilenas, son jarocho and others. The group was formed in Chicago’s historic Pilsen neighborhood in 1994 in an effort to keep the tradition of Mexican “son” alive in its many regional forms.
Sones de México began as a quartet, later adding a fifth and sixth member. Their classroom workshops include mask making, dancing, storytelling and other folkloric activities.
“They chose Perry Elementary out of all the other schools to go to,” said third grade teacher Daisy Diaz. “We’re really lucky to have them here today, and they seem to be having a great time, too.”
