SAN BENITO — Silverio Gutierrez’s fingers danced across the white buttons of his squeeze box, the festive glittery notes joining the rest of the band.
The earthy combination of a bass guitar, powerful drums and bajo sexto, paired with the bouncy, carnivalesque music of the accordion, filled the band hall. San Benito High School’s Conjunto Estrella was delivering its last performance of the year on Friday in fine style.
“I love playing for the audience,” said Gabriela Gamez, 17, who played the bajo sexto. She spoke with a musical furor reflective of the mood of the band.
“I think it’s phenomenal, awesome,” she said, grasping the stringed instrument in her arms.
You could tell the performance was as much for the musicians’ pleasure as for those who’d come to listen. Excitement energized their every move. Accordion players took turns with the band, as did some talented singers.
Many have expressed concern conjunto may slowly be dying out because fewer young people are pursuing this style. However, you wouldn’t know it by the talent and enthusiasm of the performers who have studied under Marcos Pesina for years.
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