Arts and Culture Spotlight: Alumni Band

Sociedad Latina presents the Alumni Band! SL’s Alumni Band consists of former Sociedad Latina Youth Leaders  who have formed a profound bond with our organization over the years as participants in our Youth Artists Mastery Program. Current Alumni Band members are Raquel Navarro, Vocalist and Sociedad Latina’s Arts & Culture Program Assistant; Solangel Vazquez, Vocalist and  full-time student at Quincy College; John Slaughter, Pianist and full-time musician; Miguel Diaz, Bassist and Guitarist and full-time musician, and Nelson Lopes, Drummer and works full-time.

Solangel Vazquez, pictured left, and Raquel Navarro, to the right, perform at the 2019 Class Celebration

 Their love for music and their community is reflected in their weekly participation in Sociedad Latina’s Weekend Community Music Classes as instructors of their preferred instruments for youth and their performances all across the city. Additionally, they mentor students who participate in our  Youth Artist Mastery Program. Their deep relationship building with our youth does not end there: Raquel Navarro and Solangel Vazquez are currently Sociedad Latina staff who support in two of our programs. Raquel is a Program Assistant for our Youth Artists Mastery Program, instructing and developing the skills of our Youth Artists. Solangel is an Alumni STEM Coach with our  STEAM Team program at the Timilty Middle School, creating STEAM activities and career exploration opportunities for middle school student.

On keyboard, John Slaughter; on drums, Nelson Lopes; on bass, Miguel Diaz at the 2019 Class Celebration

At the core of our Alumni Band is the desire to inspire and emphasize the beauty of music in the community. By doing this, the band grows the creative capital of the community by creating opportunities for the community to engage in Latino arts and culture through music appreciation and exposure. This talented group has performed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Tobin Community Center, Sociedad Latina’s Open Mic Nights, and other open door music opportunities in the community. Our Alumni Band’s special presence can be felt all over our neighborhood as they continue to spread the love through music and art.