Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE)
The USC Thornton Afro-Latin American Jazz Ensemble (ALAJE), led by Aarón Serfaty, performs the music of Cuba and Puerto Rico, also known as salsa, which evolved in New York City out of the interactions of Latin players and jazz musicians. Co-founded by former Thornton faculty Dr. Thom Mason and former student Roberto Miranda in the mid-1980s, ALAJE is a favorite at Los Angeles-area festivals and cultural events. The band has evolved into a large group with three percussionists, horns and singers and features student-transcribed and arranged music, as well as frequent guest artists.
