(Esta historia también está disponible en español, aquí.)

Whether it is making people dance or moving them to feel every note, Latin musicians have the power to bring a community together. At a recent time, the beat of the emotional singing and the strumming of the requinto had families singing, and spilling onto the dance floor, proof of how music connects the community.

Listening to music is essential to everyday life, whether one is aware of it or not. Each genre has its own unique instruments, rhythms, melodies, and cultural influences. There are people who make music who perform it, people who spend their whole lives living for music, and people who play every note of a favorite song.

Musicians have a lot of responsibility in creating and performing those melodies. Latin musicians in WEGO have a way of creating and performing music that not only reflects their cultural heritage but also makes for a lively music scene in the community. Their contributions bring more than entertainment; they offer a way to express their love for their country. Latin music preserves cultural traditions and helps people experience the emotions felt in the Latin community.

“A lot of music talks about pride and how proud Mexicans are to raise their flag up,” singer Jorge Morales said.

Morales, a 17-year-old who attends West Chicago Community High School (WCCHS) and is a singer in his father’s band, Banda Peñasco De Zacatecas. He and the band have played at many events and parties. According to Morales, they love performing together.

“Latin music impacts our community because it helps people express themselves through the lyrics,” Morales said.

“If someone who doesn’t know about Latins were to listen to our music they would feel a mix of emotions, for example, I have some friends who are white and they vibe with the music although there’s a language barrier,” Morales said.

Morales said he enjoys seeing the community happy and emotional, knowing that Latin music helps people express their feelings through lyrics. Even those who are not part of the Latin community come together to enjoy the music.

“I encourage a lot of young kids, and I’m just proud of myself, because no one else is doing this at my age,” Morales said.

For Morales, the music scene has always been his dream, inspired by his father.

“Since the day I was born, he was already in the music industry, so I wanted to follow in his steps. [It’s] something I was born with,” Morales said.

With young musicians come more interested peers – inspired by their culture and community. Hector Hernandez,  a student at WCCHS, plays multiple instruments but focuses on a 12-string guitar called a requinto. With it, he performs “Norteños” and “Sierreño” Mexican music.

Hernandez has also performed in the school cafeteria in previous years, but now primarily plays for the West Chicago community and the surrounding area. He said he loves performing for locals because the rhythm of the 12-string guitar makes people want to dance.

“Excited and happy because they started dancing: I be feeling my heart pounding in an exciting feeling,” Hernandez said, adding that the energy of the crowd dancing – something common in the Latin community – pumps him up.

“Losing my voice a week before a big festival – that was a big challenge. Because as a singer, your tool is your voice,” Morales said.

Morales saw a doctor following the incident and received shots so he could get his voice back, but still needed time to heal. In the end, he performed anyway because that’s what he loved doing – for the people and their pride in their country.

Hernandez also faced a setback.

“I broke my thumb, and it stopped me from playing for a while,” Hernandez said. “I kept pushing myself to keep playing.”

Although injured, Hernandez continued because he wanted to play for his people. To him, it reflected the resilience and determination shared across his culture.

Rooted in their community, Morales and Hernandez said they want to encourage others to follow their goals:

“Be consistent with whatever you’re doing,” Hernandez said.

“Just follow your dreams. Anything is possible, as long as you put the work in, no matter how old you are,” Morales said.