Bomba in the House! with Sarah Alden and Samuel Torres

Part of the Teaching Artists Present collection.

Play the Bomba now! In this video, learn the Bomba, a Puerto Rican rhythm that connects drummer and dancer to express a range of emotions. Join teaching artists Samuel Torres and Sarah Alden as they show you how to play these rhythms using simple word patterns and percussion instruments found in your own home. With this easy tutorial, you will be humming, drumming, and singing Bomba patterns all day long!

Samuel Torres (he/him) is a percussionist, composer, and educator who has toured and recorded with artists including Shakira and Arturo Sandoval. He was awarded the 2019 Latin Grammy(R) for Best Classical Album and currently teaches percussion at a private school in Manhattan, NY.

Sarah Alden (she/her) is a violinist, composer, and educator who has toured with Jazz at Lincoln Center as an ambassador of American music. She currently teaches orchestra at a public school in Brooklyn, NY.

Music
Latin American

Related Resources

Lesson ¡Baila! Latin Dance in the Spanish Classroom

In this 9-12 lesson, students will learn about traditional Latin dance styles such as salsa, mambo, merengue, rumba, cha cha, bachata, and samba.

Dance
Geography
Language Studies
World Cultures
Grades 9-12
Latin American

Media Strike Up the Band: Creating Homemade Instruments

Learn how to make musical instruments with recycled household items.

Music
Visual Arts
Young Artists

Media Five(ish) Minute Dance Lessons: Latin Dance

In this engaging and energetic series of videos, instructors Ricardo and Elba teach both beginner and intermediate dancers the steps of four Latin dances: Merengue, Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha Cha.

Dance
Latin American

Media Your Brain on Music

Music has the power to motivate and soothe, no doubt about it. But how and why does it affect us? Why do certain songs trigger excitement or make us grin? Why do others bring relaxation, tears, or send shivers down our spines?

Music
Science

Share This Video