Karaoke en Español brings students together through song

A karaoke event featuring popular Latino songs will be held today by the Cal Poly MultiCultural Center (MCC). “Karaoke en Español,” is an opportunity for students to sing along to popular Latino songs with microphone in hand.

Coordinator for MCC programs Renoda Campbell said the event is a learning experience for attendees.

“Music is one of the universal languages,” Campbell said. “During this event, the words, the feelings and meanings of the songs will be explained. Our guests will have the opportunity to have fun and learn a little Spanish with the hope of increasing appreciation of another language.”

The night of the event, attendees will be briefed on the history of Latino music and the importance and power of language. They will also discuss the prevalence of the Spanish language in California, the problems that come with it and language barriers in general.

Biological sciences junior Devon Buddan, one of the students planning the event, said even though there isn’t an official language in America (most assume it is English), many feel pressured to learn it.

“When people come here by immigration or relocation, or if they know different languages, they experience forced assimilation,” Buddan said. “And a lot of times, Spanish is valued as a lesser language. (“Karaoke en Español”) is to give an appreciation for that language and culture.”

Songs with Spanish and English lyrics will be played, but all with native Latin American artists.

“Karaoke en Español” will be the fifth event part of the Latino Heritage Series, which aims to, first and foremost, give the students something fun to do but also to educate them on Latino culture and heritage, Buddan said.

Past MCC events featuring Latino culture this school year included a Latino fashion show, a movie night, Dia de los Muertos arts and crafts and a discussion of Arizona’s Immigration bill.

“The MCC held some serious events in the fall, so this time we wanted our guests to have fun and learn a little about the Spanish language,” Campbell said.

The month of October is dedicated to Chicano and Latino heritage every year, but Campbell and her student staff have at least one Latino event every quarter.

“That way, it doesn’t tax the student staff or our guests as it relates to their studies, gives everyone more variety and brings a more holistic approach of the ‘Heritage Series’ during the entire year,” Campbell said.

Latinos made up 12.1 percent of the student body in the fall, according to the MultiCultural Center, which creates an intimidating atmosphere for some students.

Ethnic studies sophomore Isabel Montenegro, who also helped plan the event, said she felt very uncomfortable during her first year at Cal Poly. Montenegro said she found a safe haven at the MultiCultural Center where she first came in just to study. The “home away from home” mantra of the center became true for her and she eventually applied to become a part of the Latino Heritage Series.

“I could come here and be with people like me,” Montenegro said. “Unlike in my classes where I’m usually the only Latina.”

Montenegro said she loves being involved with the center because she can show people her heritage and how it important it is to other Latinos.

“Karaoke en Español” will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the University Union (UU), room 204.

For more information about the “Karaoke en Espanol,” the MultiCultural Center or Student Life and Leadership, visit MCC’s events page, or stop by the MultiCultural Center office in the UU, room 217.