Meryl ‘27 and Janis ’26, enjoy the music, food, and beach.
I sit in the classroom with sand floors, a drum in front of me and the smell of salt wafting through the open doorway of the school. The sounds of waves crashing accompany the colorful chorus of the goat skin drums, said to contain three living beings: the tree, the goat, and the drummer herself. Everyone around me is smiling, concentrated on keeping the tempo as trumpets blow and flutes play and maracas shake and voices sing. All the sounds come together as a vibrant mural to match the colors painted on the wall behind us. I look at the people and drums painted on the wall on top of bold pinks and tangerine oranges. Then I look at the people in front of it, on the stage. The students of Tambores de Cabildo perfectly encapsulate the passion for creating the music flowing through the air, connecting the people dancing on the sand floors. I’ve never met people as connected to the sound of the drums as the students and teachers in front of me. Seeing them feel the rhythm and the beats instead of just following strict patterns inspires all of us to find deeper connections into the music we play.
-Meryl ‘27
I really enjoyed the circle activity led by Nicolas because I felt so connected with everyone in the circle. Although we were all singing different parts at the same time, every pitch was beautifully blended together as if it was only one voice. The seaside restaurant was also as beautiful as the group singing. It was filled with so many different colors and areas of seating. I ordered the garlic shrimp with rice and it was amazing. The shrimp had so much flavor and the rice perfectly complemented it. It was so good I practically licked my plate clean. Our beach time afterwards was so refreshing. The ocean water was warm and soothing. It was so surprising because I have never been to a beach where the water was warm. I enjoyed laying on the sand while the warm water washed through my entire body. Overall, I had such a great experience and I enjoy spending time in Boquilla with the school!
-Janis ’26
