Grammy Award Winning Artists Join Jalisco State Symphony for Pan American Games

International Celebration of Music, People, Friendship and Sports Come Together at 16th Pan American Games, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico

About six months ago during a casual conversation, a friend of mine told me he had just signed aboard to compose original music for the upcoming Pan American games in Guadalajara. Being a soccer fan (uh hum, futbol fan), I couldn’t help express my excitement at the connection. Of course, any positive relations with Mexico are always good in my book.

When you think of the Pan American games, you naturally think about sports, teams, athletes and different countries coming together. But now you have another reason to appreciate this incredible event: the music.

Bill Meyers music

Bill Meyers: Music Producer, Composer, Arranger

Meet Bill Meyers, a Grammy Award nominated music producer, composer and arranger. He has orchestrated music for some of the most prolific artists in the music world including Madonna, Brian McKnight, Destiny’s Child, Boz Scaggs, Lou Rawls and many others.

Madonna and Bill Meyers

Madonna and Bill Meyers

View Bill’s reel here.

Bill flew to Guadalajara about a month ago (from Los Angeles) to record the opening and closing ceremony music for the Pan American games with well-known Grammy Award winning Producer/Arranger/Writer/Vocal Producer Aureo Baquiero and the Jalisco State Symphony.

Bill Meyers talks to The MEXICO Report about his role:

What is your role in the Pan American games?

I composed, orchestrated and conducted about 45 minutes of music for the pre-record  of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Pan American Games.

Did you compose the songs, write them, perform them, collaborate?

I co-composed three of the six pieces. The others featured famous Mexican themes and melodies. I arranged all the material at my studio as mock ups for the committee to approve and later orchestrated all of the parts that were performed by the Jalisco State Symphony (an 85 piece orchestra).

Aureo Baquiero

Grammy Award Winner Aureo Baquiero

Who is working on this project with you?

I was fortunate to work for a wonderful musician who is the Music Supervisor of this important event. His name is Aureo Baquiero.

How did this job come about?

I have worked with Aureo for a number of years as a string arranger on various projects he has produced for Sony Latin (ie. Sin Bandera, Alejandro Fernandez). Aureo contacted me in April with the offer to take on a 4-month commitment with him to do the recording of the Opening & Closing material.

How many songs did you complete?

There were six pieces in total.

When will we hear the songs?

The Opening ceremonies of the games start on October 14th and will continue for two weeks. I’m told that the games will be viewed by more than 100 million people.

Are there any lyrics to the songs or is it just instrumental?

The pop theme of the Games is titled “Follow Your Dreams”. I composed the music and Aureo wrote the lyrics for this piece. There are two instrumental pieces that I co-composed and a number of famous Mexican songs (ie. Cielito Lindo) that have lyrics.

Where did you go to record the music?

We recorded the orchestra at a hall in Guadalajara and after Aureo did the vocals in Mexico City, the material was mixed at Igloo Studios in Burbank, California.

How did you like Guadalajara?

I enjoyed it immensely.  There wasn’t much time go out and enjoy the city because our hotel was 40 minutes away from the hall and we were working from 10 am to 7pm each day. The people were warm and friendly and the city had so much variety – from new chic restaurants and clubs to open air markets teeming with people.

Had you ever been to Guadalajara?

While I have been to Mexico numerous times, both touring and recording, this was the first time I went to Guadalajara.

What did you like most about it?

The people, food, statues, architecture and the kindness I was shown as a guest.

Did you ever feel unsafe?

No… we weren’t out on the street much; though I felt comfortable in public.

Would you recommend visiting Guadalajara?

Yes, I would. I made friends there and would love to see these folks again sometime. The musicians were proud to be involved in the project.

Can you provide links to samples of the music?

Not yet- but once the games are over, I will provide material and photos on my website at  http://www.billmeyersmusic.com/

The 16th Pan American Games 2011, will be a major international multi-sport event that will be held from October 14–30, 2011 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, with some events held in nearby cities of Ciudad Guzmán, Puerto Vallarta, Lagos de Moreno and Tapalpa. It will be the largest multi-sport event of the year, with approximately 6,000 athletes from 42 nations expected to participate in 36 sports.

The 2011 Pan American Games will become the third Pan American Games hosted by Mexico (the first country to do so) and the first held in the state of Jalisco. Previously, Mexico hosted the 1955 Pan American Games and the 1975 Pan American Games, both in Mexico City.

For more information on the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico, visit http://www.guadalajara2011.org.mx/ENG/01_inicio/

Marca País – Imagen de México, is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Visit Mexico Today on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

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Susie Albin-Najera
Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com

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