Full Band Section

Ok, you have already heard 6 of the most common Salsa instruments played individually. You have also learned how to identify the beats for each instrument.
What we are going to do now is, play all the instruments together.
This will form a typical Salsa pattern.
We will begin as always with a medium beat pattern with voice over counting..
So here we go...

FULL BAND MEDIUM -- WITH COUNTING



Did you notice how all of the instruments just came together?
The talent that these musicians have is amazing!!
Which is why you must complement them with your dancing...
Remember, the band will feed off of the crowd's energy...
If the crowd is off beat, the band will not feel the positive energy that they need.
Ok go ahead and listen to the same pattern, only this time it will not have the counting.
Make sure you stand up and dance to the music so that you can practice your footwork as well...

FULL BAND MEDIUM -- WITHOUT COUNTING



Now it's time to take it up a notch...
You will listen to the same full band pattern, only this time it will be faster.
As you listen to the tracks in this section, try to isolate the different instruments.
For example, have your ear only listen for the Conga pattern...then the Clave, then the Piano, or whatever instrument you like.
The point here is to learn to listen to a particular instrument while the entire band is playing.

FULL BAND FAST -- WITH COUNTING



Now that was a bit faster wasn't it?
Let's try that again, only this time you will not have the voice over counting. You will have to find the beats yourself...
Try it now...

FULL BAND FAST -- WITHOUT COUNTING



Some final thoughts before you move on...
You have been listening to a full band Salsa pattern. Keep in mind that this is a base, or foundation of what you will hear.
Although the pattern may differ from song to song, the basic rhythms will always be there.
The next section is a Salsa Exam.
It will give you an idea of how well you can listen for the beat.
But not only that!!
You will see for yourself, how well you can MAINTAIN the beat...
I know you can't wait any longer so go right ahead...
...Take the Salsa Rhythms On The Beat Test...
Go ahead and click on the button that reads "Salsa Exam"

The "Salsa Rhythms On The Beat" Salsa Exam


Tell me, how can we have a training program without a test??
Well, don't feel like you're back in high school, this is actually a very different kind of test.
You see, a big challenge that all dancers face is this: Trying to maintain a regular, constant beat even in the absence of music.
This test is designed to help you maintain your timing even when there is no music playing. It will work like this...
...You will hear the 2-3 Clave pattern for about 30 seconds. You need to find the beat and begin to dance to it.
Choose whatever steps you'd like, but it must be on time with the Clave beat.
After about 30 seconds, the Clave will stop playing...BUT KEEP ON DANCING!!!
Try to maintain the same beat and timing.
After some time, the Clave beat will begin again.
At this point, you need to see if your footwork is still on time.
If your dancing is still in time with the Clave beat...
...YOU HAVE PASSED!!!
Go ahead and try it now...

SALSA RHYTHMS ON THE BEAT SALSA EXAM




If you notice that you were a bit off of time, just keep practicing.
This particular test is similar to tests that many instructors give to their beginning students BEFORE they are allowed to move on to intermediate and advanced steps.
So make sure you can pass this test, since it will help you with more advanced steps in the future.
Now go to the button that says "At Last"

At Last...


Well, if you are reading this, then you have successfully passed the Salsa Exam.
At this point you will listen to a complete song.
You will have the opportunity to dance to it and find the beat.
Let's see how you do...

FULL SALSA SONG



So how did it go?
Well if you've gotten this far, I'm sure you did wonderful!!
Now before you leave I just want to leave you with some final thoughts...
...Although this is the end of your "On The Beat" training, remember that you need to continue practicing.
My suggestion would be for you to continue practicing your footwork and also your partner work (If you don't have a partner, it shouldn't be that hard to get one at your local club...) to the tracks in all five volumes.
You should pay particular attention to the percussion sections during your normal practice and during your partner work practice.
One thing for you to keep in mind is that through repeated listening to the rhythms in this course, you will be able to pick up the beat without even thinking about it.
After some time, your Salsa dancing will be based more on instinct rather than having to "listen" for the beat.
Once you get to this point, more complicated footwork and patterns will be much easier for you to understand and follow.
One last thing...
...if there is anything you need, or if you are having problems with something...please don't hesitate to contact us.
Here at Salsa-Rhythms.com our goal is to help you.
If you can think of anything that will make it better for you, please let us know.
Also, Salsa Rhythms will be producing a series of beginner to advanced Salsa dance videos. If there is anything you would like to see included in our videos, please let us know.