Introduction to Latin American Rhythms

This workshop invites participants to explore different genres of Latin American folk music through understanding their foundational rhythmic patterns and applying them to traditional tunes.

The workshop will be taught primarily on percussion instruments, but other instruments are welcome too.

There will be a chance to perform the tunes on the Sunday morning parade at the 2026 Bellingen Taranta Festival (optional).

Under the premise of “learning by playing”, this workshop will centre on three particular rhythms: chacarera (Argentina), Festejo (Peru) and Cumbia (Colombia).

Who is it for: people with and without previous experience. Groups and parts will be distributed according to the skill level of each participant

What to bring: your instrument, if you have one. Preferably (but not exclusively) cajon, congas, bongo, timbal, djembe (or another instrument amongst the family), small percussion like shakers, maracas and cowbells. There will be a range of instruments available for people that don’t have one.
For those interested in participating with other instruments (strings, guitar, piano, vocals) please reach out to us for availability.

Written material will be available.
About the facilitator: Jorge Ernesto Mockert (Santa Fe, Argentina) is a drummer and percussionist. He works as an orchestral percussionist for the Banda Municipal de Santa Fe and the Banda Municipal de Rafaela (Argentina).

He was for many years the coordinator of the all percussion ensemble El Emparche, a collective of musicians dedicated to the exploration of Latin American rhythms.

He is also highly sought after as a drummer and educator.
Jorge will be in town performing at the Bellingen Taranta Festival with Santa Taranta and his own band from Argentina, Ginkgobiloba.

On this video Jorge Mockert conducts El Emparche percussion ensemble at a live performance in Santa Fe, Argentina

https://youtu.be/n9RhBvHdITU

Contact the host of Intro to Latin American Rhythms