Feel the Beat. Honor the Culture. Join ¡A La Cumbia!
We’re one of the nation’s first youth cumbia ensembles, bringing kids together to master rhythm, celebrate Latin heritage, and build confidence.
What is Cumbia?
Cumbia is a joyful Latin music and dance tradition rooted in rhythm, movement, and community. Born from Afro-Indigenous traditions and carried across generations, cumbia brings people together through shared groove and celebration.
In ¡A La Cumbia!, students don’t just learn the music, they feel it. They play together, move together, and discover how rhythm creates connection, confidence, and cultural pride.
Upcoming Cumbia Workshops
Hands-on cumbia rhythm, movement, and ensemble playing
Open to students at different grade levels
Cumbia Workshop: Grades 3–6
An energetic introduction to cumbia through rhythm, movement, and group music-making. Students explore percussion, groove, and collaboration in a joyful, age-appropriate setting.
No prior experience required
Cumbia Workshop: Grades 7-12
A deeper dive into cumbia rhythm, ensemble playing, and performance practices. Students refine technique while learning how to play confidently as part of a band.
Prior experience encouraged
What Students Learn
Students learn authentic cumbia grooves and develop rhythmic precision by locking in with a full ensemble.
PLAY THE RHYTHM
Students practice listening, teamwork, and musical responsibility, learning how each part supports the whole.
BUILD ENSEMBLE SKILLS
Through rehearsals and showcases, students build stage presence, focus, and pride in their musical voice.
PERFORM WITH CONFIDENCE
Movement helps students internalize rhythm and connect music to body, culture, and expression.
MOVE WITH THE MUSIC
The Ensemble
A full youth cumbia ensemble made up of rhythm, melody, horns, and voice.
Percussion
Congas · Bongos · Timbales · Güira · Drum Set
Rhythm Section
Bass · Guitar · Keyboard · Accordion
Horn Section
Trumpet · Trombone · Alto Sax · Tenor Sax
Vocals
Male & Female Singers
How To Join
Who can join
Open to middle and high school musicians.
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Percussion, winds, keys, bass, guitar, accordion, and vocals
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Prior music experience encouraged
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Weekly rehearsals and performances
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Weekend workshops
Limited spots available. Enrollment is capped to maintain ensemble quality.
Join ¡A La Cumbia!
Train, perform, and grow in a nationally recognized youth cumbia ensemble rooted in culture and community.
Community Impact
¡A La Cumbia! expands access to culturally grounded
music education for youth across Orange County.
Students engage in ensemble learning, performances,
and community showcases that reach families,
schools, and local partners.
Program presented by Arts & Learning Conservatory.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
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