THE BAND
FREDY S. Q.
“I was born in the central part of the Andes, called Junin, a small village of valleys and pampas (plateaus) in Peru, where the climate is very cold.
The first years of my life I spent in the Andes, then my parents took me to the capital; my musical experiences began at the age of 13, and I finished my studies there. During that time, I met and played music with many talented musicians. I had the opportunity to travel to different parts of my country. I owe my interest in music to my father, as he was a musician who played the saxophone, which was the first instrument I was exposed to as a child. That was enough to ignite a passion for music in me.
I participated in many musical events at schools, colleges and universities. I also learned the traditional dances of Peru. I spent many years learning and admiring the culture of my ancestors, the Incas. Because of the political upheaval in my country in the 90’s, I decided to pursue and develop my musical career somewhere else…destiny brought me here to the United States.
My instruments of choice, the ones I carry in my soul, are the wind instruments “Zamponas” and “Quenas”. I also play Guitar, Charango and various percussion. I will continue to play, and thereby preserve the music of my ancestors all my life.”
JUAN S. Q.
I’ve learned to love music since my early childhood. My grandparents and my father were musicians. I loved to listen my father play the saxophone at home. And I also enjoyed to watch my sister Elvira and my brother Moises perform traditional dances from Peru.
At 12 years old, I learned to play the Zampoña and after that, the Quena. I became anxious to create more music, which drove me to learn the string instruments; Mandolin, Guitar, Violin, Bass and the Charango
I studied music at The Museum of The Arts in Peru. Here I learned about the musical culture of my country and its value. I acquired more consciousness about the responsibility of a musician to preserve the many traditional melodies and rhythms of our culture that would otherwise be lost. Thus, I begun to play in different musical groups in my country, and I started to participate in music events at schools, colleges, universities and theaters.
At 21 years old, I joined Huayllipacha, and with my brothers I started sharing the musical culture of South America in every place we go. Above all, I thank God for everything he has giving me. With all my heart, Juan.
DAVID S. Q.
I was born in the mountains of Junin, Peru. I received from my parents and relatives, the cultural and ancestral musical identity that is so much a part of my life. My instruments of choice are percussion of many varieties, and the drum set. I also enjoy the sweet sounds and beautiful melodies of the Zamponas and Quenas, along with the rhythms of the Bombo (drum). Together, these are the sounds of music from my homeland in the Andes, which makes me proud and fills me with satisfaction.
Before I join Huayllipacha, I have participated in different musical groups, spreading traditional music of the three regions of my country; the coast, mountains and jungle. Same as my brothers, I learned to make my own percussion instruments so I can make sure to have an instrument that has the sound I like. With this in mind, my brothers and I always take pride in doing all the technical and musical details ourselves, aiming for a successful performance every time.
I have three children. They also perform music and dance too. I will continue to support their passion for performing arts, as my parents did for me. I am grateful to my family, who supports my musical career. Above all, I offer thanks to God for giving me this musical talent. With all my heart, David.