By La Descarga

The Arts – Music/Dance | Health and Physical Education | Humanities | Languages – Spanish | Intercultural Capability, Personal & Social Capability | Critical & Creative Thinking

In this workshop students step into the vibrant world of cumbia, a musical tradition that has travelled and evolved across Latin America and beyond; through live music, cultural storytelling, rhythm, movement and creative play. They discover where cumbia comes from and how Indigenous, African and European influences have shaped this living musical tradition. 

Through live demonstration, body percussion, vocal rhythms and call-and-response, students learn how the different layers of cumbia work together before bringing the rhythms to life on percussion instruments. Working as an ensemble, they listen, imitate, experiment and create music together. 

Students are also introduced to cumbia dance, movement and colourful costume elements, exploring how music, dance and culture come together in celebration. The workshop builds towards an energetic collaborative cumbia jam, where students can participate through rhythm, movement, voice and music-making while developing creativity, coordination, listening, confidence, teamwork and intercultural understanding. 

“Jorge Leiva and his musical project La Descarga bring a unique, fun, vibrant and engaging energy to every performance and community experience. Based in Melbourne, La Descarga stands out for the excellence of its musicians, the quality of its performances, and its ability to genuinely connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 

Jorge and La Descarga are incredibly versatile and always ready to embrace new ideas and community projects — from Cumbia Boom’s engaging educational music and dance workshops, to colourful Caribbean-inspired street and beach parades, festival performances, special opening events and online activities. 

Their infectious energy, musicianship and passion for sharing Colombian music and culture make every experience memorable. A performance — or Cumbia Boom experience — not to be missed!” – Carolina Aguilera de Snow 
Programming Director, Waterfront Festival & Ventana Fiesta, Frankston

The Offering: Full day of workshops available in various lengths, 1hr, 90min, 2hr. Customised to suit your school
20-100 students/session.
Travel included up to 300km (extra beyond that)

Option One, Standard format: 1 hour – Discover & Play 
Approximately 50 minutes of active workshop time 

This is the recommended format for Cumbia Boom and can be delivered as up to five sessions across a school day. The one-hour booking allows approximately 10 minutes for students to settle in and transition out, with some flexibility for normal school-day delays. 

The workshop introduces students to Colombian cumbia through cultural storytelling, live music, body percussion, vocal rhythms, percussion instruments and simple dance steps. Students learn and create rhythms together, explore the cultural foundations of cumbia, and finish with a collaborative music and dance jam. 

Option Two, Extended format: 90 minutes – Create & Celebrate 
Approximately 80 minutes of active workshop time 

The extended session allows approximately 10 minutes for arrival, departure and transitions. With more workshop time, students can explore rhythmic layering, ensemble playing, dance and cultural elements in greater depth, with additional opportunities for creative experimentation, rehearsal and collaborative music-making. The session can build towards a short carnival-style celebration within the workshop space or an appropriate nearby school area. 

Option Three, Extended format: 2 hours – Carnival Experience 
Approximately 110 minutes of active workshop time 

The two-hour format allows approximately 10 minutes for arrival, departure and transitions. The additional time gives students the opportunity to explore layered rhythms, improvisation, movement and the cultural stories behind cumbia in greater depth. Students can rehearse and develop their ensemble work, building towards a carnival-style celebration or roving parade through an appropriate school space. 

Workshop times are approximate. Around 10 minutes of each booking is generally allowed for students to settle in, transition out and accommodate normal school-day delays. 

Other details