In the middle of 1870, one of the oldest bands in our country emerged in the north of the state of Morelos: La Banda de Tlayacapan, a family musical ensemble that to this day transmits its knowledge from generation to generation and preserves Morelense music.
History of the Tlayacapan Band
It was founded by Vidal Santamaría with a group of friends and family in the 19th century. When the Revolution broke out, one of his sons, Cristino Santamaría, already as director of the band, accompanied General Emiliano Zapata and his Army of the South in the fight.
Years later, Brígido Santamaría took the baton until his death in 1975, and as a conductor he transmitted his musical knowledge to his children and nephews; in addition to founding music bands in other towns in Morelos.
The dance of the Chinelos
However, perhaps Don Brígido’s greatest achievement is consolidating the band’s reputation as one of the most important cultural institutions in the state by preserving in its archive the authentic sounds of the dance of the Chinelos de Chucho the Dead.
Let us remember that the dance of the Chinelos is a unique cultural expression of Tlayacapan and the composition of the chinelo son is attributed to Jesús Meza, nicknamed Chucho the Dead.
The band is also recognized for keeping the sones and jarabes for bulls alive; as well as the traditional funeral music of the region.
The Band of Tlayacapan today
Currently the band is directed by Cornelio Santamaría, it is still a family group and is made up of 40 members, mostly young people. In his repertoire we find marches, waltzes, ranchera songs, sones, danzones, pasodobles, boleros, medleys, polkas, overtures, abajeños, sonecitos and pirekuas.
The musicians go on national and international tours; They participate in forums and congresses around the world, radio, film and television programs and fairs.
Also, since 1969, they have a notable discography, among which stand out the albums Popular dancesfrom 1992; Tlayacapan Bandfrom 1998 and Dance of the Chinelosfrom 2005.
Outstanding track record
- In 1995 the band offers a concert in Cuba, with Fidel Castro as guest of honor.
- He received the National Award for Sciences and Arts, the highest recognition given in Mexico, in 1998.
- At the German fair Expo Hannover 2000, he inaugurates the international day dedicated to Mexico.
- The Autonomous University of the State of Morelos awards the band an Honoris Causa Doctorate in 2014.