Musician, Educator, Music Activist
“Only Belizean music can represent Belize musically”
Mr. Lucio Alcoser Sr. is an advocate for the use of music as means of cultural expression. A reflection of Belizean culture and pride, the music of Lucio Alcoser Sr. and The New Generation Band has been heard both locally and internationally.
Born in the Village of San Roman, Rio Hondo in the Orange Walk District, Mr. Alcoser was exposed to music at a young age. Born into a family with a musical inclination, Mr. Alcoser begun developing a passion for music from his grandmother, Benigna Canul- Alcoser who played the organ for the San Roman Catholic Church choir and her brothers who founded Banda Canul, which played for the community fiestas, funerals and other events.
He was given the opportunity to pursue his secondary education at St. John’s College in Belize City. It was during this time that he begun to learn how to read and write music, further submerging himself into the musical world. After graduating from St. John’s College, he took a break in his education to pursue his musical career. He was given the opportunity to tour in Mexico with the band Benny Y Su Grupo. He resumed his education in 1985, when he left Belize with his family to attend Roosevelt University in Chicago where he obtained his degree in Industrial Engineering and Music with a focus in Jazz. His love and passion for music was passed down to his children as he encouraged them to explore and develop their talents. With is children and wife, he formed Lucio & The New Generation Band becoming a household name not only in Belize but internationally as well.
Promoting Belizean Culture through Music:
Mr. Alcoser’s professional music career first begun with the band, The Teenagers playing music in the rock genre. At the age of 18, he caught the attention of Benito Merceron, owner of the band, Benny Y Su Grupo from Mexico. He was recruited and played with them for six years, performing in Mexico City, Merida, Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Villahermosa, Veracruz and Southern Mexico.
Returning to Belize, he continued to play as Lucio & The New Generation Band recruiting his brothers. He begun to compose his own music and quickly got a contract from a record company in Guatemala, Fonica who produced his first album. Among his first original songs are Rice and Beans and September 21st which won first prize as the September Celebrations national song in 1981 when Belize was celebrating its independence. The Belizean culture has always been seen and felt in the lyrics, rhythms and melody of his music, you feel the pride and joy of being Belizean. “Que viva Belice,” is sung by all Belizeans as we march for the September Celebrations. “George Cadle Price” and “No wait fi the man dead fi tella e good!” are two other of his well-recognized songs.
In efforts to share his love of music, he began teaching at the Louisiana Government School developing a music program. The children learned how to read and write music and play many different musical instruments, both classical and contemporary. Under his leadership, the student group participated and won the Golden Award at the Festival of Arts from 2002 until 2019 when he retired. Mr. Alcoser’s music continues to promote Belizean culture through his lyrics and his efforts to share his knowledge with others.
International Participation:
- In 1988 he participated in Chicago’s Annual Park District Talent Search wining first place out of 1000 participants. Lucio And The New Generation performed on The Petrilo Music Shell at The Grant Park in Chicago
- On that same year, he was invited to perform Under the Picasso, an event exclusively open only to well-known musicians in Chicago.
- In 1990 and 1991 he performed at the Pan American Festival and also performed in all the huge festivals.
- Lucio And The New Generation was interviewed in many radios, tv station around in the U.S.A. as they travelled to perform in all Chicago, Brooklyn, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and all in the U.S.A., Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and all of Belize.
- In 2000 he received a scholarship from The Bliss Centre for performing Arts for Cultural Administration.
