Exploring Corridos(During The Mexican-American War)

Gabriel Krasilovsky

New Mexico is a state rich with diverse culture and history as a result of the numerous groups who have controlled the region since pre-colonization. It could be argued that the most impactful change in recent history came about because of the Mexican-American War and subsequent transfer of power from Mexico to the United States. This change can be seen in records such as the early New Mexican music style of Corridos. Corridos are old spanish ballads, similar to modern folk songs, that are often used as a form of oral history retelling. This paper will examine first hand accounts of the Mexican-American War from major figures such as Kit Carson – an American Officer during the war – and Juan Bautista Vigil y Alarid – the final Mexican governor of New Mexico– and use these characters stories to construct a song in the style of Corridos about the influence of the war on day-to-day life in New Mexico.

Gabe Krasilovsky is a senior at Mandela International Magnet School. After high school he plans to attend college (hopefully somewhere on the east coast) and hopes to be able to follow his interests and find what he wants to major in. Outside of school, Gabe is a member of the Santa Fe Climbing Team, a songwriter, and an outdoor lover.

To view his presentation click the link here: video link