Mariachi as an alternative ensemble

When I was first hired in Washington I had no experience leading mariachi. Despite my Mexican background, the unique traditional instruments used alongside trumpets and violins presented their own challenge that most music teachers are not trained for. I took on the challenge regardless, and the small class of 10 students was passed into my leadership by my co-director.

This group would quickly become one of the most celebrated ensembles at MVHS and I was able to grow the class from those 10 students into two full classes split by ability, and later the addition of a folkloric dance group to accompany. The flagship group eventually became known as MV Mariachi and would go on to receive funding and grants for proper uniforms, and a professional logo to unify their public presentation.

This group became the first to perform at Washington’s state solo & ensemble under the large guitar ensemble category, and it’s inclusion helped create a separate mariachi division at the state level through the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.