Beginning string ensembles will enjoy “Mimi's Minor Mambo,” a dance tune inspired by the traditional Afro-Cuban music played by the Caribbean island nation's charanga ensembles. Charanga, sometimes called the grandfather of salsa, combines several European musical ideas – such as harmony, instrumentation, and form – with the complex rhythmic structures of Afro-Cuban music. “Sambasaurus” is inspired by Brazilian samba. Expand your skill sets by playing these two originals with your string quintet or student string orchestra.