Latin Percussion Lab

Latin Percussion Lab with Matthew Hernandez & Sergio Segura

Thursdays (check site for updates)

 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm  

This workshop happens in partnership with Neighborhood Music School 

Latin Percussion Lab 

Sign up here!

This program is designed to introduce basic rhythms and counting exercises for students through the use of hand percussion and Afro-Latin drumming techniques. Students will have a chance to learn all about essential elements in Latin music like clave, tumbao, and basic conga tones. There will be an introduction to different types of instruments each week as well as a song of the week by various salsa and cha cha icons. This will be a very fun and engaging drumming course.

Matthew Hernandez is a proud community arts advocate that has dedicated his work to the enrichment of cultural celebration and literacy through music. Understanding how music shapes and reflects cultural awareness and ambitions, he recognizes the influence that music has over large groups of individuals that share a common ground in beliefs and expression. The main goal for Matthew is to bring those people together to share the same physical space and strengthen bonds through experiencing the ultimate form of expression that creative outlets, like music, allow. Being a source for bringing the community together brings him all the joy in the world, whether it’s through live performance, group teaching, volunteer work, or even just casual conversation with neighbors and friends. 

He currently studies at the Herb Alpert Music Center’s Applied Music Program at Los Angeles City College and has built a reputation for being the musical coordinator and saxophonist for salsa and latin jazz band, Timba Tumbao. With his band, he’s performed all across SoCal, delivering a fun and high energy live latin dance show. He loves what he does because he gets the opportunity to connect with so many amazing communities and share an inclusive experience full of dancing, smiles, and fun memories. “Music is a language without words, it speaks in only profound emotion and true expression.” 

Born and raised in El Sereno, Los Angeles, CA, Sergio Segura has been a musician since theage of 13. Originally a pianist, he found his passion lied in drums, specifically Latin percussion drums. Following his musical passion, Sergio went on to receive his Bachelor of Music at Cal Poly Pomona and his Masters at Cal State LA with an emphasis in Afro Latin Music, where he studied under legendary Cuban drummer -Calixto Oviedo- learning the fundamentals of Cuban music such as son, danzon, cha cha’s rumba and others. Since graduating, Sergio has been performing with various bands and artists. As of recent he has performed with Colombian cumbia artist Yeison Landero at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. He has also opened and shared the stage with the likes of Elvis Crespo, La Sonora Dinamita, Grupo Sonador among others at festivals such as Besame Mucho. Growing up first generation Mexican in a disadvantaged community, Sergio understands the value of having spaces for children and adults to express their artistic side through music. Sergio believes in giving back to his community by sharing his knowledge. He currently continues to gig throughout the U.S. and enjoys teaching and improving his own skills. “Music is lifelong. There is never an end point and there’s always something new to learn.” “Drumming is the extension of our feelings. Everyone should have access to resources and spaces to express themselves, regardless of the environment theygrow up in.”

Lets help keep each other healthy please stay home if you have any flu like or COVID symptoms. 

Check our calendar at  artinthepark.org for updates

Questions email info@artintheparkla.org