09 Oct Viva la Banda: Celebrating the Rhythm of Titan Culture
Latin music painted Cal State Fullerton’s night sky on Sept. 25 as students of all backgrounds gathered for a night of music and cultural celebration at Banda Night with performances by Grupo Radar and Banda Primera Generacion.
Organized by Associated Students Inc.’s Student Programs and Engagement (SPE) and set against the backdrop of the Becker Amphitheater, the event marked a vibrant celebration in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“The purpose of Banda Night, especially given the current social climate, is to create a space for culture,” said Grace Cazares, ASI SPE student assistant. “It’s a space where the community can come together to celebrate Hispanic roots and build connections through resources and entertainment.”
Over 700 students gathered to enjoy live music, dancing, traditional food and campus resources designed to educate and empower.
From Sinaloa to Spotify: The Sound of Today’s Titans
Grupo Radar member plays guitar, bringing banda music to center stage. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Originating in Sinaloa, Mexico, banda combines brass, percussion and vocals to create a signature regional sound. The genre remains widely popular among the new generation: Spotify reports that in 2023, Gen-Z streams of Musica Mexicana grew by nearly 60 percent in the last year.
Today, as younger audiences gravitate toward artists like Becky G and Peso Pluma, banda continues to thrive as a dynamic fusion of sounds, fueling the evolution of modern Latin music.
The live banda performances energized the amphitheater, filling it with familiar sounds that connected students to their culture.
“Being here has been such a great experience,” said first-year student Jazmin Elizade. “I felt so alive dancing along to the music that represents my culture and interacting with new students.”
For many, it was more than entertainment; it gave Titans pride in seeing their culture celebrated.
Music That Moved the Crowd — Literally
Grupo Radar fills the amphitheater with music, inviting students to dance and build community. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
The performances by Grupo Radar and Banda Primera Generacion didn’t just entertain, they got the entire amphitheater moving. Students embraced the rhythm, turning the space into a dance floor.
“I couldn’t stop dancing, and it felt great to connect with everyone through the music,” said second-year student Jack Hernandez.
The infectious energy grew throughout the night. What began as a few student moving to the beat soon transformed into partner dances, and even a lively tango line.
More Than a Celebration: A Cultural Home on Campus
CSUF student club Sabor Latino hosts a table at Banda Night, showcasing campus resources. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Throughout the night, CSUF student organizations showcased performances and shared valuable resources. Groups like Sabor Latino, Ballet Folklórico de CSUF, Latino Business Student Association and M.A.S (Mental Health, Academics, Social Networking) Familia highlighted the ways Hispanic communities continue to influence the CSUF experience.
“As a student in a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) I feel like it is important that ASI represent our Latinx Community on campus through events for our students,” said Metzil Gonzalez, Co-Chair of M.A.S. “We’re here to serve our community and give students a space to feel connected to the culture.”
Resource tables also lined the amphitheater, offering support in academics, mental health and cultural engagement.
“I wanted to attend because I heard there would be resources for Hispanic students,” said third-year student Yazmin Preciado. “I was able to talk to clubs and meet new people, there were so many organizations I didn’t even know existed.”
Ballet Folklórico dancers perform traditional folk dance, celebrating cultural heritage. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
Throughout the year, ASI offers Hispanic-focused events like Multicultural Festival, Día De Los Muertos and in November, Salsa Night.
“Knowing about these themed programs and events makes me feel more connected to my culture and the campus community,” said second-year Luis Ramirez.
These resources helped students connect with campus life and build community through cultural identity.
“I’m so grateful for the experience, it made me feel genuinely included in the Hispanic community,” said third-year student Alex Rodrigo. “I’m looking forward to future celebrations and learning more about the performers who shared their culture with us.”
More Than a Party: Banda Night With Purpose
CSUF students and staff from M.A.S. Familia connect with the community at Banda Night. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
The ASI SPE team ensured Banda Night was planned with intention to make the event accessible for all students.
“Ultimately, I hope students leave feeling proud of their culture, their history, and the impact they make in our community,” said Cazares. “Banda Night doesn’t just bring the Hispanic community together; it brings the entire student population together.”
The planning and cultural relevance clearly resonated with students, both in person and online.
“We didn’t expect the number of attendees but are thankful that we had a great turnout. We’re also seeing a high demand in hosting more culturally focused events from comments on Instagram and TikTok,” said ASI Programming Coordinator Aundrea Nuñez.
The rise in engagement created a meaningful experience for many attendees, leaving lasting impressions.
Looking Toward a Future of Inclusion
Students fill the dance floor at Banda Night, celebrating culture. / Credit: ASI Marketing, Communications & Design
As CSUF continues to grow as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), with more than 56 percent of students identifying as Latino, events like Banda Night remain essential in asserting student identities and celebrating our differences.
“Banda Night is more than just an event, it’s a gateway for all students to explore the cultural resources available on campus,” shared Cazares. “While it’s rooted in celebrating the Hispanic community, it’s also about promoting openness and diversity across the student body.”
To learn more about ASI’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, visit the ASI Website!