A bailar y gozar con la sinfonica/aka la banda de los guajiros

The piece was first composed as a rhythmic piece in cuban style for symphony orchestra, given the poor repertoar-choices available with an authentic approach.

The title is from an anecdote that apparently happened to the Symphonic Orchestra of Camaguey in Cuba. They were playing  a tour in rural areas of Cuba, where salsabands are also called Orquesta. So the person in charge of the PR for the concert made a huge banner in the main street of one of the villages saying “Ven a bailar y gozar con la sinfonica de Camaguey!” Come and dance and have fun with the  SOOC.

The moment the orchestra arrived, apparently planning to play pieces by dead white europeans, they just turned and left without playing.  This was beneath their standards and honour – that people were invited to come dance and partying, not to listen to a classical concert.

The version for symphonic band was given a name more relevant for their lineup. “La banda de los guajiros” – the band of the peseants,  with the double meaning that Guajira is the musical style common in the Oriente-province.  Score sample only from orchestra-version.