Fine Arts students recently had the opportunity to work with guest artist Ginita, an acclaimed Ecuadorian-Honduran-American composer and trombonist based in Brooklyn, NY. Her visit introduced students to a wide range of Latin styles of rhythm and musicking, including Latin jazz, salsa, bolero, and son. During her stay, she shared both performance insight and cultural context, helping students connect rhythmic concepts to real-world musical practice. A prolific performer and educator, Ginita has appeared with leading ensembles such as the Roy Hargrove Big Band, Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band, Rufus Reid Big Band, and Ulysses Owens Jr.’s New Century Big Band. She currently serves as a visiting professor at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Ginita is also the driving force behind Ginita y La Orquesta Esa, a group supported by Jazz at Lincoln Center. “Her visit was an inspiring and energizing experience that brought Latin musical traditions vividly to life for our students,” said Alex Hernandez, Middle School music faculty and Jazz Band Director.