“Rondando La Cumbia by Marcela Garcia is one of three popular music arrangements included in Richard Young’s String Pedagogy. Because music is a "universal language" that transcends geographical, cultural, and social boundaries, we offer folk music from various cultures -- which in Latin America is usually called popular music.

For many Latin American children, the cumbia is in their blood. It originated in Colombia's Caribbean coastal region and in Panama. It was influenced not only by native Colombians and Panamanians, but also by slaves who were brought from Africa, and by Spanish settlers who colonized Pocabuy. However one does not have to be Latin American, African, or Spanish to become addicted to this music!

This is the easiest of all the "popular" pieces in CSPC, appropriate for children who have played for only a month or so. It is guaranteed to be a huge success at concerts, particularly if a few of the kids are selected to dance.

In other CSPC pieces, extra Elementary parts are provided so that children can play along with older and more seasoned players. Even though their role is secondary, it's important for them to be part of the experience. In this arrangement of Rondando La Cumbia, however, the kids who play the "Beginners" parts are the featured musicians throughout the piece. The "Intermediate" parts that comprise the accompaniment are for teachers and/or more advanced students. The balance should reflect the fact that the children are always the stars.

An experienced pianist (acoustic or electric piano) is necessary if there are not enough "Intermediate" string players to cover the accompaniment. Whenever possible, both a pianist and "Intermediate" players should be included. To insure the right "flavor," reliable percussionists are required. Though a guitar part is not provided here, a skilled player could easily sit in.