Latinology takes the basic drum set beats from five Latin dance rhythms (Beguine Cha-Cha Tango Bossa Nova and Samba) and divides them among five percussionists. When playing latin rhythms keep individual parts simple so when combined and authentic 'feel' results. Optional improvisation for guiro and cowbell occurs during the Samba. Additional players can also improvise as long as the Samba 'feel' is maintained. The four measure repeat may be played as written or repeated as many times as needed. At the conclusion of the repeat the ensemble should be cued in by the conductor and all players complete the final seven measures as written.

Founded and directed by award-winning educator Diane Downs The Louisville Leopard Percussionists have been wowing audiences at national and regional conventions for years. In addition they were featured recently in the HBOFamily documentary The Music in Me in a segment entitled “The Leopards Take Manhattan: The Little Band That Roared.” Here are the authentic arrangements by Diane carefully edited by well-known educator/authorRick Mattingly. Each arrangement is written with a flexible instrumentation based around mallet instruments drum set and a variety of Latin instruments.