Maqueos Music

Greater Los Angeles Los Angeles County Latino/a/x Music Oaxacan 2013 2017 2020

About the Organization

Oaxacan music bands in Los Angeles are primarily comprised of adults who learned to play music in their hometowns before coming to California. In 2001, Estanislao Maqueos formed a band, Maqueos Music, exclusively for young people in order to teach the second-generation Oaxacans music that many of them did not grow up listening to on a regular basis. Starting with 45 young people and with the support of parents and the wider community, the youth are considered among the best Oaxacan bands in Los Angeles. Estanislao Maqueos and the senior students he has nurtured have been key in igniting more youth to learn traditional repertoire. Students include not only those of Oaxacan descent but youth from other Central  American countries. The academy offers year-round classes.

Living Cultures Grant Program

2020

Maqueos Music will revive and disseminate traditional Oaxacan music in Los Angeles, offering a friendly learning alternative tied to the traditions of the ethnic groups from state of Oaxaca (Zapotecos, Mixtecos, Chinantecos, Mixe, etc.) through free public concerts.

2017

ACTA funding supported a female ensemble of clarinets and saxophones to encourage and support the importance of women in music making. Repertoire included sones and jarabes from Oaxaca as well as classic pieces from other cultures to create appreciation for music and cultures of other countries.

2013

In 2013, Academia de Musica Maqueos Music received a Living Cultures grant to support the instruction of thirty youth between the ages of 5-12 in seven regional music styles from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.  Instrument purchases supplemented the year-round lessons.  The co-ed band is featured prominently in Guelaguetza celebrations as well as various saints’ days in the greater Los Angeles area.