Ramon Rivera, winner of Alliance for California Traditional Arts and Mellon Foundation Fellowship and pBone Educator Ambassador, is dedicated promoting and facilitating music educational resources that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Utilizing accessible instruments like pBone products, Ramon has been awarded in his efforts of weaving traditional Hispanic and South American music into modern day band curriculum and deepening relationships between educators and their communities.
When we talk about inclusion in the music classroom, representation is one of the most powerful tools teachers have. For Colombian students, that sense of recognition can come alive through the music of Aniceto Molina, the “King of Cumbia.” Known for his vibrant accordion playing and beloved hits, Molina once said, “I will never retire from my accordion until the music commands me.” Sharing his story and music in your classroom doesn’t just teach notes and rhythms; it creates a moment of belonging.
Why Aniceto Molina Matters
Aniceto Molina’s music carries deep meaning for many Colombian families. His signature cumbia style is heard at family gatherings, community festivals, quinceañeras, and fiestas. When students see a picture of Molina wearing the traditional sombrero vueltiao (Colombian hat) or hear one of his songs, they may immediately connect: “My dad has that hat!” or “My mom plays that song!”
Ramón Rivera, educator and cultural advocate, highlights how even a simple classroom slide with Molina’s photo, quote, and Colombian flag can spark that recognition. “Students will say, That’s my country. That’s my family,” he explains. Those small signals of hospitality matter.
“Without relationship, there is no learning.” - Ramon Rivera
Teaching La Múcura
One of the most effective entry points into Colombian music is the folk song La Múcura. It’s catchy, danceable, and deeply familiar to many Latin American students. The song, which playfully tells the story of a water jug carried on a woman’s head, has been sung for generations at social gatherings.
For music teachers, La Múcura is also accessible:
- Melody – falls in a comfortable range for young voices and instruments like pBuzz, pTrumpet, and pBone.
- Harmony – uses only C and G7 on ukulele, making it easy for beginners.
- Rhythm – introduces students to the syncopated feel of cumbia, but in a way that is intuitive for Colombian students who already “know” the rhythm from hearing it at home.
Rivera notes: “Teachers sometimes get stuck on the dotted quarter note and eighths. But these kids have heard this rhythm since they were babies. They already know it. All you need to do is play the song—they’ll recognize it and embody it.”
Representation Beyond Music Class
One powerful aspect of teaching La Múcura or highlighting Aniceto Molina is that it doesn’t have to stay within the music room. Rivera shares examples of schools that displayed slides with Colombian artists and played cumbia tracks during Hispanic Heritage Month as students entered the building. Even non-music teachers participated, making the school environment feel inclusive and celebratory.
Practical Classroom Ideas
- Bulletin Board/Slide Display – Feature Aniceto Molina’s photo, famous quote, and the Colombian flag.
- Play-Along Activity – Teach La Múcura on ukulele, classroom percussion, or boomwhackers. Add a simple cumbia rhythm on hand drums.
- Listening & Movement – Let students listen and dance to Molina’s recordings to feel the beat before analyzing the rhythm.
- Family Connection – Invite students to share stories of where they’ve heard the song—family parties, quinceañeras, or community events.
Music as Hospitality
For Colombian students, hearing La Múcura in school can be transformative. It says: Your culture belongs here. For non-Colombian students, it’s a chance to explore a vibrant musical tradition and learn rhythms in a joyful, authentic way.
As Rivera puts it: “They were raised in this music. They already know it. So as a teacher, just do it. Just play it.”
By honoring artists like Aniceto Molina and songs like La Múcura, we’re not only teaching music—we’re building community, celebrating heritage, and practicing true hospitality in the classroom.
Watch the full Interview with Ramon Ramirez
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