“The History and Harmonic Unity of the Tuna Femenina at the University of Granada”
The story of the Tuna Femenina de Medicina at the University of Granada is one that is both brief and profound. The idea for this musical group was conceived on April 17, 2015, after several unsuccessful attempts. “It was finally achieved,” explains the head of Tuna, Blanca Lucio, during a phone conversation from Madrid where she practices as a doctor. The decision to create a female Tuna was ignited by a shared interest in music, a field which prickly pears are not commonly associated with. The pioneering members of the group, including Samay Campos, Sol Mochón, Rosalía Amor, Elena del Águila, and Adriana Martínez-Castroverde, were determined to revive the Spanish musical tradition in a non-professional way.
Assistance from the male Tuna at the Faculty of Medicine helped pave the way for the Tuna Femenina. “They were the ones who helped us, they were our godfathers,” recalls Lucio. Although the idea of forming a mixed Tuna was briefly entertained, it didn’t materialize. Today, each Tuna, whether male or female, has its own unique repertoire and distinct characteristics.
The Tuna Femenina de Medicina has a total of 33 members, with 12 recent participants striving to attain their scholarship, a certification that recognizes the necessary experience to be a tuna. “You have to work at it,” emphasizes Lucio, reflecting on the process of becoming a member. The group is actively involved in activities such as participating in university welcome events, charity runs, and collection drives. “We love that,” enthuses Lucio about their various charitable endeavors.
To become a member of the Tuna Femenina, one must possess a strong commitment and a desire to learn. Most of the activities of the group take place in Granada, yet the Tuna prides itself on its diverse and geographically wide-reaching composition. “Even if some of us are out, we don’t stop,” says the head of the association, highlighting their unwavering dedication to their musical craft.
The Tuna Femenina de Medicina collaborates closely with the University of Granada in terms of accessing facilities and obtaining financial support. The group can be contacted via their email at [email protected] and through their Instagram account, @tfmgranada.
The Tuna Femenina de Medicina is not just a musical group; it is a close-knit community that provides support and friendship to its members. For Blanca Lucio, the Tuna offered invaluable assistance during her medical studies, particularly during the intense months of preparation before her medical exam. “It helped me a lot,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the profound impact the Tuna has had on its members.
The Tuna Femenina de Medicina continues to give Granada a melodious and magical touch, as they prepare for their upcoming contest in La Línea de la Concepción, showcasing their unity, dedication, and love for music.