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The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York

El Ritmo del Westside: Exploring the Musical Landscape of San Antonio’s Historic Westside

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

<p>The westside of San Antonio, Texas fostered a uniquely diverse musical landscape throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, demonstrating the results of cross-cultural exchanges reflected in music. From Conjunto and Ranchera music, to R&B and Jazz, a wide range of music genres was celebrated in the historic westside, eventually shaping the birth of the area’s own Westside Sound, which remains a staple in many Chicano communities to date. Despite the cultural significance and rich history, the historic westside’s musical past remains widely unknown, often overshadowed by research and documentation surrounding the area’s violent history with gang networks and crime.</p> <p>Committed to promoting the unique musical landscape of San Antonio’s historic westside during the 1950’s and 1960’s, El Ritmo del Westside offers audiences a look back in time to explore the area through a different lens, focused on the diverse sounds of the time. Through a narrative and exploratory website, the project provides historical context on factors that shaped the social life, culture and, ultimately, the music. The culmination of this project is a story map that showcases places within the westside’s musical landscape through text, photos, and videos.</p>

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
Master
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Data Analysis & Visualization
Grantor
The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York
Year dc:date.available
2022

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Alderete, Valeria
Advisor dc:contributor.advisor
  • Aucher Serr

Subjects

dc:subject × 21

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4897
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:gc_etds-5929

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
City University of New York - Graduate Center
Base URL
academicworks.cuny.edu/do/oai/
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Alderete, Valeria. El Ritmo del Westside: Exploring the Musical Landscape of San Antonio’s Historic Westside. Master thesis, The Graduate School and University Center of The City University of New York, 2022. https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4897