Si Mi Amor

"Si Mi Amor" is a rhumba, a ballroom dance introduced to America by Don Azpiazu and His Havana Casino Orchestra in 1930 with their recording of "El manisero" (The Peanut Vendor). Beyond the dance floor, the rhumba has also found its way into classical pieces by composers like George Gershwin and Morton Gould. With its tuneful melody and tasteful inclusion of Latin-American percussion, "Si Mi Amor" focuses on the quality of ensemble sound rather than technical complexity. Discrete and distinctive four-note jazz harmony creates a rich texture not often found in orchestral music for students. Added to the traditional string orchestra instrumentation are vibraphone, along with the Latin American instruments of claves, bongos, shaker and cow bell. "Si Mi Amor" was commissioned by the Fairfax High School Chamber Orchestra, Gerald Fowkes, Director and premiered by them at the 2022 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference.