First Band Gathering to bring young musicians together at Mariano Rivera Stadium

Six school bands will take center stage at Panama’s first Band Gathering dedicated to Panamanian tamborera pieces. The free event will take place on Sept. 19 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Mariano Rivera Stadium in La Chorrera, Panama Oeste.

The Culture Ministry is dedicating the gathering to the memory of teacher Rufino González. Regional director Abdiel Cáceres said the event would honor the country, strengthen national identity, encourage young talent and help preserve an important part of Panama’s intangible cultural heritage.

The participating schools are Centro Educativo Altos de San Francisco, Colegio San Martín de Porres, Escuela Pedro Pablo Sánchez, Instituto Profesional y Técnico de La Chorrera, Instituto Ingeniero Tomás Guardia and Colegio Moisés Castillo Ocaña.

Their programs will include “Panamá Viejo,” “La Guaricha,” “Soy Panameño” and “Guararé.” Panama Oeste Deputy Governor Sara Peña said spaces like the gathering allow young people to connect with national traditions and represent them with pride.

Panamanian tamborera emerged in the 1930s by combining elements of tamborito with orchestra and band formats. Its rhythmic structures include cumbión and tamborera patterns adapted for wind and percussion instruments. The Culture Ministry says the initiative will bring younger generations closer to that musical history and keep the tradition alive through trumpets, clarinets and drums.