|

Ensemble History: Music of Mexico Ensemble
The Music of Mexico Ensemble, originally called “Uclatlán,” was formed in 1961 by graduate student Donald Borcherdt. During the 1964-65 academic year, the course Music 45J/145J (Music and Dance of Mexico) was offered for the first time by Borcherdt. From 1977-79 the class ceased to exist. From 1980 to 1989, Steve Loza, who was first a graduate student and later became a faculty member, directed the class. He reformated the group to include not only the music of Mexico but also Caribbean and South American styles, with a focus on salsa, and the group became known as "Uclatino." Nati Cano was hired to direct the ensemble in 1989, and it returned to the mariachi format. Instructors of the Music of Mexico Ensemble include: Jesus Sanchez (1968-75); graduate students Don Borcherdt, Mark Fogelquist, and Dan Sheehy; Steve Loza (1980-89); Nati Cano (1989-00); Jesus Guzman (2000 to the present).
 |

|
Donn Borcherdt playing the guitarrón Photo: Courtesy Ethnomusicology Archive |
Music of México Ensemble Photo: Courtesy Ethnomusicology Archive |
 |

|
Music of México Ensemble Photo: Courtesy Ethnomusicology Archive |
Music of México Ensemble Photo: Courtesy Ethnomusicology Archive |
 |
 |
Uclatlán (1970s) Photo: Courtesy Dan Sheehy |
Uclatlán (1970s) Photo: Courtesy Dan Sheehy |
 |
 |
Uclatlán (1975) Photo: Courtesy Dan Sheehy |
Uclatlán (1970s) Photo: Courtesy Dan Sheehy |
|

From Nuestro November 1982: "UCLATINO, UCLA's student salsa band, has become a popular item at campus dances and rallies. The group's professional sound has won it playing dates around Los Angeles, too. Graduate student, Steve Loza (far right), of South San Gabriel, California is the group's leader/founder."
|

|