Music/Learning & Discovery: Worldly Rhythms - Latin America
- Taylor Kurta
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Duration: 30 - 50 minutes (depending on how many songs/prompts you include in the program)
Best For: All residents (can be adapted using sensory vs. reflective prompts depending on group engagement)
Goals: To support identity expression and promote social connection through culturally diverse music.
Description: "Wordly Rhythms - Latin America" is a vibrant, culturally inclusive program designed to transport participants to the sunny, rhythmic heart of Latin America. As we "travel" through countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Brazil, we'll explore the joy and energy of Bossa Nova, Salsa, and folk tunes. The program uses music and videos to spark memories, encourage movement, and celebrate the diverse cultural tapestry of the region.
Materials:
Percussion instruments (maracas, small hand drums, shakers, tambourines)
Large screen to display videos and songs (or bluetooth speaker to play songs if no screen)
YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wl9XO7GukQk&list=PL8_xNKhvJflMhhWqpXH1nTb9yBppxYf7X
Instructions and script: (PDF and provided below)
Suggested Songs:
Guantanamera
La Bamba
The Girl From Ipanema
Mas Que Nada
Bésame Mucho
Oye Como Va
Copacabana
Quizás, Quizás, Quizás
Flow:
Welcome & Warm-Up Song (5 mins)
Guided Singing and Discussion (30 - 40 mins)
Closing Reflection and Song (5 mins)
Adaptations and Facilitator Tips:
Offer rhythm instruments (especially maracas and shakers) for all participants and gently model the shaking or clapping motion to the beat.
Include or skip prompts depending on the group’s energy and cognitive needs. Use the reflective prompts for more verbal residents and the sensory prompts for non-verbal residents (you can also use a mix of both - this is recommended).
Instructions and Script:
Welcome and Warm-Up Song (5 mins)
Rhythm 1: Samba
Begin the group by welcoming everyone and handing out instruments.
“Hello everyone! Welcome to Wordly Rhythms: Latin America! Today, we’re going on a musical journey, but we’re going to focus entirely on the vibrant, sun-soaked sounds of Latin America. Latin America has an incredibly rich musical history because it blends three major influences: Indigenous traditions, African rhythms, and European instruments. When these cultures came together over hundreds of years, they created the lively, colourful music we know today - like salsa in Cuba, samba and bossa nova in Brazil, mariachi in Mexico, and tango in Argentina. Each country has its own flavour, its own instruments, and its own dance traditions, but they all share a deep connection to rhythm, movement, and celebration. To start our journey, let's begin in Cuba with a song often called the island's most famous folk tune. This song, Guantanamera, is about the beauty of a simple Cuban farmer girl.”
Sensory Prompt (before the song): “While we sing, let’s play the rhythm with our instruments. The beat is steady, like a gentle, friendly sway.” (Model to the group when the song comes on).
🎶 Play Guantanamera
Guided Singing and Discussion (30 - 40 minutes)
Rhythm 2: Mariachi
“Now we travel northwest, heading toward Mexico! Mexico is famous for its lively Mariachi bands, vibrant colours, and celebratory music. This song, La Bamba, is an old Mexican folk tune that became a huge international rock hit!”
Sensory Prompt (before the song): “As we listen, I want you to feel the lively rhythm. Use your hands to tap your lap or clap along with the quick, driving beat! You can even practice the famous zapateado (foot-tapping dance) with your feet!”
🎶 Play La Bamba
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “Mexico is known for incredible food! If you could have any traditional Mexican dish right now—tacos, enchiladas, or maybe churros—what would you choose?”
Rhythm 3: Bossa Nova and Samba
“From the lively folk sounds of Mexico, we fly across the equator to the massive, sun-drenched country of Brazil! Brazil is famous for its beautiful beaches, bright colours, and two incredible music styles: the smooth, relaxed Bossa Nova and the high-energy Samba. This first song, The Girl From Ipanema, is one of the most famous and sophisticated songs ever written, often sung in Portuguese and English.”
🎶 Play The Girl From Ipanema
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage a gentle swaying or relaxed hand movement in time with the Bossa Nova rhythm.
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “The Girl from Ipanema’ is one of the most recorded songs in history! What musical instrument do you think is most important in giving this song its smooth, Brazilian sound?”
“Now, let's pick up the speed and feel the vibrant, irresistible Samba beat! This next song, Mas Que Nada, is a Portuguese phrase that means 'No way!' or 'Come on!'—it’s pure energy and celebration, often associated with Carnival.”
🎶 Play Mas Que Nada
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage participants to gently march their feet in place or use their knees to tap the strong Samba beat. For those with rhythm instruments, encourage fast, short shakes to match the pace!
Rhythm 5: The Classic Bolero
“Our next song is famous across all of Latin America and the world—it is a classic Bolero, a type of slow-tempo Latin music. Bésame Mucho means 'Kiss me a lot,' and it’s one of the most romantic songs ever written. It’s a perfect song for remembering special dances and loved ones.”
🎶 Play Bésame Mucho
Sensory Prompt (before the song): “Bolero is a beautiful, slow dance. Let’s imagine we are dancing gently across the floor with a partner. We can place one hand lightly on our knee and use the other hand to sway gently from side to side, feeling the slow, romantic rhythm.” (model of the group)
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “This song is full of tenderness and deep feeling. If you had to describe the mood of this music in just one word what word would you choose?”
Rhythm 6: New York/Latin American Fusion
“Next, we travel to a place where Latin American music met American Rock and Jazz—New York City! Artists like Tito Puente and Santana created an amazing fusion sound, giving us songs like Oye Como Va. The rhythm is a driving Mambo, an irresistible dance beat!”
🎶 Play Oye Como Va
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Encourage shoulder movement, foot tapping, or invite participants to stand and do a gentle ‘mambo’ step if they are able. For seated participants, encourage a tapping of their feet or laps.
Reflective Prompt (after the song): “This song comes from New York City, where so many different cultures and music styles met to create something new. What is one tradition—a food, a holiday, or a piece of music—that you brought with you from your own culture or hometown that you love to share with others?”
Rhythm 8: USA/Latin Pop
“This next stop takes us back to the US, where Latin culture has had a massive influence on pop music! Copacabana is a fun, high-energy song that tells a glamorous story set on the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It’s a great mix of disco energy and Latin flair.”
🎶 Play Copacabana
Sensory Prompt (during the song): Invite participants to make big, sweeping hand gestures—like a dramatic performer—during the high-energy chorus, or simply clap along to the beat.
Closing Reflection and Song (5 mins)
Rhythm 9: Latin Fusion
“What an incredible journey! We’ve felt the rhythms of Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, and the Latin spirit of the world. As we come to the end of our trip, this final song, Quizás, Quizás, Quizás, is a lovely, gentle farewell. The title means ‘Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.’”
🎶 Play Quizás, Quizás, Quizás
Sensory Prompt (before the song): "As we share this final, beautiful song, I invite you to gently tap the steady, slow rhythm with your finger on your lap."
Final Reflective Prompt and Facilitator Closing (after the song): “We felt the sunshine of the Latin countries today. Before we say goodbye, what is one image or thought from our musical journey that you will bring with you?"
[Wait for 1-2 responses or a moment of reflection]
"Thank you all so much for sharing your energy and memories! May the rhythms and sunshine of Latin America energize us throughout the rest of the day!"
