Reflecting On Classics 4 Kids with Manny Cepeda — Sabrosas Latin Orchestra

Written by Sabrosas Latin Orchestra | Mar 4, 2025 3:15:00 PM

We had the chance to sit down with Manny Cepeda, percussionist, composer, and arranger, to talk about his recent collaboration with Classics 4 Kids for Música y Baile: Rhythms of Puerto Rico. In this interview, Manny shares insights into his musical background, the process of arranging traditional Puerto Rican music for orchestra, and what it was like to share these sounds with young student audiences.

Tell us about your early musical influences and how they shaped your journey as a performer and composer.

My musical journey started at the age of five. My oldest cousin (Modesto Cepeda) bought me my first drum. I still remember how we shopped for the drum and how beautiful it was.

Puerto Rican music clearly plays a central role in your work—can you talk more about how it's influenced your style and approach as a composer and bandleader?

I was born in Puerto Rico, and my family, on my mother’s side, is all musicians. As a young kid, I used to love going to see my uncle (Rafael Cepeda, patriarch of bomba & plena in Puerto Rico) play the drums and dance with his kids.

What was your process in choosing and arranging pieces for Música y Baile? Were there specific rhythms or styles you felt were important to highlight for young audiences?

I am a composer by trade. I usually compose and arrange for my Salsa Band and a company called 3-2 Music, which sells my original Afro-Cuban / Caribbean compositions to High Schools, Colleges, and Universities. I’ve never written or arranged compositions for a Chamber Orchestra, but when the Conductor of the Music4Kids approached me about their celebration of Dance and Rhythms of Puerto Rico, I gladly volunteered to write and arrange some of the music.

Many of the pieces were arranged specifically for orchestra—can you share what that process was like?

I arranged two songs for the string orchestra and orchestrated one of my original songs for strings. When writing for strings, one should take the four-part chorale approach. I did that and came out with something that sounded very good and highlighted the music I was arranging or orchestrating.

Were there any unexpected surprises—either challenges or creative discoveries—while arranging bomba and plena for string orchestra?

It was simple and second nature to me because I was born knowing those rhythms and harmonies.

What did it mean to you to perform for student audiences through this collaboration?

Young students are our future. To be able to perform for a young audience was a pleasure. I loved it when they said hello to me when I was performing, which meant that they really absorbed all the music we were presenting to them and will probably never forget about Puerto Rico and the music of Puerto Rico.

How did it feel to hear your compositions played by the Classics 4 Kids Philharmonic Orchestra?

I felt inspired and pleased to hear my arrangements and original music being played by many talented musicians. They played and sounded amazing!

Were there any moments during the performances that really stood out—any reactions from the students that made an impression on you?

They paid attention to everything we presented to them. They behaved exceptionally well and were very receptive to the music. They often knew the song we were playing and sang with beautiful grace and voice.

What was it like collaborating with Dana Zimbric and Elizabeth Howard on this project?

They are true professionals. Dana is very well-versed in orchestral music and a great conductor. Not only that, but she orchestrated the concert and was extremely helpful in getting all the music together and organizing the show for the kids.

Without Dana and Elizabeth and their expert visions, the program/presentation would not have been such a fantastic one.

For those who want to hear more of your music, where can people find you or catch one of your live performances?

You can find my music on all the major sites such as Spotify, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon, and others. Just look for “Manny Cepeda” and my CD recordings.

It was a pleasure to work alongside Manny Cepeda for this special project, and we appreciated the opportunity to bring his perspective and musical expertise to the stage. If you're interested in hearing more of his work, you can find his recordings and live performances on major platforms and around San Diego.

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