The sounds of high-energy Latin percussion echoed through the Reichhold Center for the Arts Friday morning as Tito Puente Jr. conducted a heartfelt musical workshop for St. Thomas high school and junior high students. This was the first time the percussionist had played in a venue that had also hosted his father; the late mambo legend Tito Puente played in 1999 to an appreciative audience.

Determined to preserve and continue his father’s musical legacy for the benefit of future generations, Puente Jr. urged the audience of more than 250 students, many of them musicians themselves, to “do what you want with your life when it comes to playing your music. Always remember to inject your unique style while respecting the style of the musicians you work with.”

Along with co-producer and pianist Marlo Rosado, the musical workshop focused on the four basic instruments that form the basis of any Latin rhythm section. The timbales, the congas, bongos and cowbell were set up on stage for a hands-on demonstration.

The duo taught the subtle yet unique differences of the various Latin rhythms, from Cuban to Puerto Rican, to those of the Dominican Republic. To better illustrate his point concerning rhythm and how to infuse a unique mambo sound into their own music, students were invited on stage to play side by side with the professionals to the applause and encouragement of fellow students and music teachers in attendance.

Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Sophomore Roderick O’Neal easily fell into the salsa rhythm alongside teacher Puente on the timbales. When asked afterwards about the opportunity to be on stage taking direction from professional musicians, O’Neal, a percussionist himself, shared with classmates,“Wow, I just played the drums alongside a legend.”

That same sentiment was also enthusiastically supported by fellow Kean classmate Vinneisha Clement, who waited in line afterwards for the opportunity to speak with Puente personally and get an autograph to take home.

“My mom’s Puerto Rican,” she told Puente, “ so I‘ve grown up listening to your father’s music all my life.”

Tito Puente Jr. and his 13-piece orchestra will perform modern spins on Latin jazz at 8 pm. Saturday at the Reichhold Center for the Arts on St. Thomas.