Mariachi music has been part of the country’s school system since the early 1960’s. Today, just like band, orchestra, choir, and any other extra curricular activity, mariachi has become a popular elective especially in the southern border of the country where enrollment, in many cases, surpasses hundreds of students. This can be attributed to many different factors, but in most cases, the success of a program always starts with its leadership. Mariachi directors have done a phenomenal job in the classroom not only teaching the music and art, but through their passion and love for the genre, they have inspired many of their students to become educators themselves. It takes passion for the music, dedication to the craft, and pride for Mexico’s culture to become a mariachi music educator. This story highlights a few of those students that have recently started their journey as educators and with dreams to make a difference in the world of mariachi.
Jaqueline Fierro is a mariachi director at Harlandale High School. She first started playing mariachi in middle school where she picked up the violin. “When I moved to Lubbock with my cousins and grandparents I was the only one in the house that did not speak Spanish. I knew that my grandparents love mariachi so I wanted to learn how to play it to be closer to them.” Fierro has a Bachelor’s in Music Education and was the first to obtain the degree with a concentration in mariachi from Texas State University where she also performed with the award winning group Mariachi Nueva Generacion under the direction of Cirilo Campos and Miguel Guzman. “Mariachi has given me many opportunities and skills that I want to pass down to students. I have students who want to sing but don’t know how to speak Spanish and I tell them that mariachi can help them. Aside, from loving the music, I also appreciate the sense of community and how it can bring people together to sing, dance, cry, and be happy. I want my students to experience and spread that because it is very special.”
Emily Vargas-Antunez moved from California to Las Vegas in 2014 as a high school freshman. She enrolled in beginner mariachi class where she met Guadalupe and Fernando Gonzalez, directors of Mariachi Encendido from Del Sol Academy of the Arts. “Mariachi gave me opportunities I never thought possible. The classroom became my safe space and helped me express myself. I didn’t believe I could go to college or have a career, but here I am as a Mariachi teacher. I teach not only because Mariachi is my passion, but because I want to create a space where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to dream bigger, just like I once needed.” Emily attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). She has won awards performing with Mariachi Plata from the College of Southern Nevada and with the professional group Mariachi Paloma Azteca. She currently teaches mariachi at Keller Middle School in Las Vegas. “Through Mariachi, I hope to inspire future generations to carry on the tradition with pride, passion, and purpose.”
Alex Treviño was surrounded by mariachi music throughout his childhood since both of his parents are mariachi musicians. His father, Alex Treviño, is the current mariachi director at McAllen High School and was Alex’s director. Treviño decided to study music like his father and eventually earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) where he also performed with the legendary Mariachi Aztlán, know as the best collegiate mariachi group in the nation. Treviño would also constantly perform in his father’s professional group Mariachi Los Arrieros del Valle prior to being recruited by none other than Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano in California. “I believe every student deserves access to high-quality music education, regardless of their location. That’s why I’ve committed to teaching in an area where mariachi education is still developing, striving to provide the same level of depth and excellence found in programs across Texas.” Today Alex is the proud owner of Treviño Music Academy where he offers private mariachi lessons and professional development. He is also an instructor at Riverside Arts Academy, Alvord Unified School District and Riverside Unified School District.
Steven Bass is studying Music Education with a concentration in mariachi at Texas State University in San Marcos. He grew up in Eagle Pass and fell in love with mariachi music while hearing his brother play when he was young. Although he is still in the process of finishing his degree, for the last 4 years he has served as a mariachi trumpet consultant for beginners. He currently performs with Mariachi Nueva Generacion who won first place at the 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza Group Competition. Some of his mentors include Dr. Adolfo Estrada, Miguel Guzman, Cirilo Campos, David Solís, Aroldo Villarreal and Celeste Curiel. “I hope to be a helping hand in the mariachi community in any way I can. I want to inspire and encourage other mariachi musicians to keep our heritage strong!
Throughout the years at the Mariachi Extravaganza we have seen how students develop from young musicians playing in the middle school category and years later come back as directors of their own mariachi program. We wish these educators the best and hope that they continue to inspire future generations to engage with the beautiful genre of mariachi.