March 25, 2025 – Two Clovis Community College (CCC) choirs delivered a spectacular
performance at the Paul Shaghoian Memorial Concert Hall on Monday, March 24.
Led by Choral Director Tony Gennaro, the evening showcased a powerful arrangement
of Mesoamerican songs, captivating the audience and performers alike.
The concert combined students from two of Gennaro’s music classes, Concert Choir
(MUS-31) and Global Drumming (MUS-23) as they tackled complex arrangements in
English, Spanish, and Nahuatl. The stylistic challenges of the repertoire highlighted the
students’ adaptability and skill, creating an unforgettable experience for concertgoers.
Family members, friends, and local music enthusiasts gathered eagerly, their
anticipation building for the dazzling arrangement the choirs had arranged for the
evening.
The atmosphere within the concert hall shifted to quiet curiosity as Gennaro shared the
cultural and emotional significance of the evening’s program.
Joining the choir this evening was special guest artist Christopher Garcia, a native of
East Los Angeles who has performed around the world as a multi-instrumentalist
specializing in Mesoamerican instruments.
“The driving force behind everything in the concert was it didn’t have one cohesive
genre or anything like that,” Gennaro explained in reference to the topics of the songs
themselves, “but all in all, I think it was something that we could relate to and was
meaningful to us.”
Though several of the songs were tied to the Mesoamerican culture, this variety in tone
and subject with each arrangement displayed the choir’s brilliance and aptitude in
performing.
From the intense, emotive arrangements of “La Llorona” in both Spanish and Nahuatl by
Yolanda Delgado Garcia and translated into Nahuatl by Dr. Ezekiel Stear, to the upbeat
“Mayan Children’s Song” by Christopher Garcia, the concert blended a wide depth of
tones and styles in the songs they performed.
Many of these songs were also accompanied with unique instruments courtesy of
Garcia’s musical aptitude – specializing in Mesoamerican music, he performs with
several instruments that most Americans haven’t even heard of.
Garcia’s unique instruments – many unfamiliar to American audiences – added depth
and authenticity to the performances.
Some of these are a “tlapan,” a tall, hollowed-out drum mimicking the sound of a heartbeat, collections of turtle shells, water drums, or a “teponaztli,” a slit drum with resonant tongues.
The instrument’s unique sounds offered a window into Mesoamerican creativity and tradition, contributing to the audience’s enjoyment of the pieces.
The choir brought the arrangements to life with brilliance and emotion, blending an
impressive variety of tones and styles. Standout performances included “La Llorona,”
sung in both Spanish and Nahuatl, with soloists Sarai Meras and Miranda Iglesias
delivering the folklore-inspired piece with passion and intensity.
In contrast, the upbeat “Mayan Children’s Song,” composed by Garcia himself,
delighted the audience with its lively energy.
Another highlight, Elaine Hagernber’s “You Do Not Walk Alone,” offered the audience a
sense of comfort and inspiration.
The choir’s performance of this traditional Irish blessing resonated deeply, as its lyrics
encouraged hope during life’s challenging moments: “May you see God’s light on the
path ahead / when the road you walk is dark.”
The concert concluded with the impactful arrangement of “Yo Soy,” made possible by
Grupo Musico Generacion Espontanea. Celebrating the power of heritage and individual strength, the finale left a lasting impression on the audience.
As the students sang, “Yo soy Espiritu / Yo soy / De sangre y hueso / Yo soy / Aquí y
ahora,” (“I am spirit / I am / Of Blood and Bone / I am / Here and now,”), their voices
transformed the hall into a space of profound emotion and unity.
This final piece was not just a showcase of musical brilliance but also a reflection of the
choir’s inclusive and empowering spirit. Gennaro emphasized that the choir welcomes
all students, regardless of their musical or vocal background.
“I think that anyone can sing with the right training, so we invite people of all levels,” he
explained. By fostering diversity within the group, seasoned performers provide
guidance and inspiration for newcomers, embodying the message of teamwork and
shared strength reflected in “Yo Soy.”
The spring concert was a celebration of culture, community, and musical excellence – a
night that will be remembered long after the final note faded.
Individuals wishing to be part of this inspiring group of performers are encouraged to
enroll in Clovis Community College’s music classes or reach out to Gennaro at
tony.gennaro@cloviscollege.edu.