Welcome to the August Mariachi Newsletter

Dear Mariachi Educator,

MENC would like to wish you a wonderful 2008–2009 school year!

Each month, we’ll provide you with articles and resources for your mariachi classroom. In the coming months, the articles will focus on mariachi history, so you can share with your students the cultural and historical context of the music. For articles on mariachi pedagogy and getting the year started, visit the Mariachi Newsletter Archive.

Be sure to visit www.menc.org/mariachi often for curricula, resource listings, and professional development opportunities. A mariachi mentor is also available September through May on the Orchestra forum.

¡Viva el mariachi!
MENC Mariachi Staff

An Inside Look at the Mariachi Conference: Rewarding Students and Uplifting Audiences

William Gradante has taught mariachi and classic guitar since 1980 in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a scholar in the field of Colombian regional folk music and mariachi history.

About the Sweetwater International Mariachi Conference

Located in Chula Vista, California, just south of San Diego, Chula Vista High School greeted the official arrival of Summer 2008 with the presentation of the Sixth Annual Sweetwater International Mariachi Conference. I was fortunate enough to attend this year’s conference in the role of unofficial MENC observer and would like to share my observations of this inspirational event.

The Sweetwater Union High School District’s commitment to this event’s success was immediately evident. The district works hand-in-hand with the local Mariachi Scholarship Foundation to ensure that the conference runs smoothly and achieves the goals of

1. supporting mariachi education and
2. public outreach at the local and regional levels.

The selfless, often behind-the-scenes efforts of the school district, board of education, and foundation officials, especially Sandi Smith, Deanne Vicedo, Elba Loaiza, Karina Estrada, and Ramón Leyba (who also served as Master-of-Ceremonies for the Showcase Concert) in support of the educational efforts of Chula Vista High School Mariachi Director (and MENC Mariachi National Advisory Committee member) Mark Fogelquist were reflected in the professional manner of the event.

The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) annually earmarks $25,000 for a world-class instructional staff for the conference. The modest financial goal of the event, then, is to break even. On the other hand, the proceeds from the culminating concert, generated from the $10 general public admission fees and refreshment sales, are destined for the Mariachi Scholarship Foundation, which last year awarded $32,250 to 34 Sweetwater UHSD and Southwestern College (SWC) mariachi and baile folklórico students.

All graduating seniors who have at least a B average and have performed with SUHSD or SWC mariachis for a minimum of two years earn a scholarship of at least $1,000 upon their college graduation. This example of school district and public support of our students is worthy of emulation.

A Winning Combination of Mariachi Legends and Scholars

The daily workshop schedule was organized along the same general guidelines followed at mariachi conferences throughout the United States and Mexico:

• Presentation of the day’s music by the instructors
• Breakout sessions (by instrument and level: novice, intermediate, and advanced)
• Lunch
• Mariachi history presentation
• Breakout sessions (by instrument and level: novice, intermediate, and advanced)
• Review of music by all assembled workshop participants

Individual workshop sessions were conducted by the members of Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara. Sweetwater Conference participants, however, enjoyed the bonus of being able to attend mariachi music workshops conducted by three legendary former members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán:

• Violinist and featured vocalist (1953–1983) Heriberto Molina (vocal workshop)
• Trumpeter/composer Miguel Martínez (trumpet workshop), and
• Composer/arranger/guitarist Rigoberto Alfaro (armonías workshop).

Furthermore, the daily mariachi history presentations were a doubly special treat, as they were delivered by two of the world’s leading mariachi scholars:

• Jesús Jáuregui of the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia in Mexico City, and
• Jonathan Clark, mariachi historian and MENC Mariachi National Advisory Committee member.

Clark’s conversational style in his collaborative presentation with Heriberto Molina was fascinating and endearing, while Professor Jáuregui absolutely dazzled all of us with his encyclopedic knowledge of the historical mariachi literature he has amassed in the course of completing his monumental work, El Mariachi: Símbolo Musical de México.

A total of 172 students from southern California and Albuquerque, New Mexico, were in attendance, along with about 40 students from five local dance troupes, including

• Ballet Folklórico de Bonita Vista High School,
• Castle Park High School Ballet Folklórico,
• Folklórico Chula Vista,
• Ballet Folklórico de Olympian High School, and
• Ballet Folklórico de Otay Ranch High School.

These groups participated in the baile folklórico workshops directed by Leticia Ceja, Ramón Morones, and Professor Benjamín Hernández, longtime advocate of dance education in both Mexico and the United States. A special effort is being made to promote increased participation in these workshops for next year’s conference, which will be held from June 18–20, 2009. More information concerning all aspects of the 2009 conference may be obtained by contacting the delightful Sandi Smith at (619) 585-4405 or sandra.smith@suhsd.k12.ca.us.

Mariachi Students Shine Onstage

After two full days of music workshops, the students were ready for Saturday afternoon’s dress rehearsal for the Student Showcase Concert. The early evening show began with the performance of selected workshop pieces by all of the conference participants. Those students who attended the novice workshops joined the intermediate and advanced students, playing Los Barandales del Puente and Paloma Querida. Believe me, the sight of over 150 young people performing together in a spirit of camaraderie is awe inspiring. The intermediate and advanced students remained onstage to offer their renditions of “El Sauce y La Palma” and “No Volveré.”

Act I concluded with the advanced students performing three arrangements, beginning with the polka “La Norteña” by Señor Rigoberto Alfaro, who was onstage to conduct both the students and his former Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán colleagues Heriberto Molina and Miguel Martínez. The world premiere performance of his composition “El Marqueño” was a favorite among both the students and the wildly appreciative crowd. The unabashed exuberance of the young vocalists along with the heavenly vocal solo renditions of “Paloma Querida,” “El Marqueño,” and “Amor Perdido” by Señor Molina were in themselves well worth the price of admission.

Act II opened with the advanced mariachi students accompanying the baile folklórico students on “La Chulada,” another composition of Señor Alfaro. Next, Albuquerque’s Mariachi Tierra del Sol accompanied the dancers on “El Tranchete,” before the “hometown kids”—Mariachi Chula Vista—took the stage to provide the fondo musical for the dancing of “El Ranchero” and “La Vaquilla.” It should be noted that in addition to the pieces ultimately selected for presentation at the Showcase Concert, the students were also provided with sheet music for “Cartas Marcadas” (novices), “Se Me Hizo Fácil” (intermediates), and “Urge and Alejandra” (advanced students). Certainly, there was plenty of material left over for stimulating continued summer study!
 
Act III consisted of showcase performances by each of the student mariachi groups represented by the workshop participants. The ensembles and their respective musical offerings are detailed below.

The grand finale of the concert, Act IV, was presented by Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara. This was what all the students had been waiting for—the opportunity to see their instructors in full performance mode, in their spectacular trajes de charro, featuring impressive sombreros de ala ancha and gorgeous suede jackets. Their set lasted nearly two hours. After launching into their exciting theme music, they proceeded to thrill us with the following selections.

• “Las Abajeñas” (son jalisciense, arranged by Rubén Fuentes and Silvestre Vargas)
• “Este Es Mi México ‘Mano’” (son jalisciense/canción ranchera by Juan Manuel Cortés)
• “El Pastor” (huapango by Los Cuates Castilla)
• “Cuando el Destino” (canción ranchera by José Alfredo Jiménez)
• “Popurrí: Muchachas Bonitas” (various pieces, highlighted by the huapango “La Cecilia” by Elpidio Ramírez)
• “La Malagueña” (huapango by Pedro Galindo and Elpidio Ramírez)
• “Declárate Inocente” (canción ranchera by José Alfredo Jiménez)
• “Popurrí: Canciones de Mi Pueblo” (a medley which included “Guadalajara,” a son jalisciense by Pepe Guízar, and the canciones rancheras “Canción Mixteca” and “Mi Ranchito” by José López Alavés and Felipe Valdés Leal, respectively)

While the vocal talents of the mariachi’s several singers became immediately evident in their renditions of the above-listed songs—especially the huapangos—certain selections were performed with the intention of displaying the virtuosity of the individual instrumental sections of the ensemble. For example, the dazzling “Los Tres Méndez,” written for the legendary trumpeter Rafael Méndez and his two sons, featured the ensemble’s brilliant three-piece brass section, while the gem of the classical repertoire, “Czardas” by Vittorio Monti, highlighted the pyrotechnical mastery of the violin section. Even the ensemble’s newest member, 17-year-old harp prodigy Roberto Adán Díaz Montes, was given his moment in the spotlight with his interpretation of the traditional Paraguayan folk harp favorite “Pájaro Campana.”

Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara brought the house down with a lengthy encore consisting of a medley of compositions by Mexico’s beloved singer/songwriter José Alfredo Jiménez and featured selections such as

• “El Siete Mares” (huapango)
• “Tu Recuerdo y Yo” (canción ranchera)
• “Camino de Guanajuato” (canción/corrido)
• “Si Nos Dejan” (bolero), and
• “Serenata Huasteca” (huapango).

While, for most, the fiesta would continue long into the night at more private locations, I was obliged to content myself with a round of abrazos from all of my many California, New Mexico, and Arizona-based mariachi compañeros before heading back to my hotel to pack my suitcase for my return trip to Texas at dawn the following day. I suspect, however, that the musical memories of the evening and the 2008 Sweetwater Mariachi Conference as a whole will carry me over to my next mariachi conference encounter, whenever and wherever that may be. Let me suggest, then, on behalf of the entire MENC Mariachi National Advisory Committee, that all of you, our MENC Mariachi members, make a special effort—both for yourself and in the interest of your students—to attend a mariachi conference in your own area. I promise that it will be both an unforgettable educational experience and an opportunity to build mariachi friendships that will last a lifetime.

View a list of upcoming mariachi events at www.menc.org/mariachi or at www.mariachi.org.

Mariachi News

Summer Mariachi Workshop Held at MENC

Attendees Learn "Everything You Need to Know" about Starting a Mariachi Program

From July 7–11, 2008, Yamaha and Villanova University in cooperation with MENC cosponsored a mariachi workshop held at MENC’s national office in Reston, VA. Participants received sample materials so that they could present the concept of a mariachi program to district administrators, principals, parents, and fellow educators. During the week, they also learned to play the guitarrón, vihuela, and mariachi guitar in authentic styles including ranchera, son, and bolero. At the end of the week, participants serenaded the MENC staff with a spectacular mariachi concert.

The event was a hit with attendees. Here are some of their comments:

“The forward thinking of MENC and a music industry giant like Yamaha is remarkable, and shows what is possible when great ideas get hooked up with the resources to make them reality … I am now beginning to formulate how our own mariachi program will begin here in Barrow County GA.”
- Kerry Bryant, Winder, GA

“Being able to practice on quality violins, vihuelas and guitarrónes was highly valuable and added to the learning experience. If every summer class was as stimulating, informative, and enjoyable as the mariachi course, I would have completed a Doctorate long ago!”
- Jean Prigelmiller, Annapolis, MD

“I enjoyed the class, the instructors, and the hospitality shown by the staff at MENC. I would definitely recommend to my colleagues in Montgomery County, MD, to take classes at MENC headquarters in Reston.”
- Jane Weber, Montgomery County, MD

Yamaha and Villanova University plan to offer another workshop in Summer 2009—stay tuned to www.menc.org/mariachi for more details.

Read more about this workshop and see more pictures here. Read more MENC’s other summer workshops here.

Foundations of Mariachi Education: Materials, Methods, and Resources Now Available from MENC

Beginning with how to start a mariachi program, each chapter of this new book, copublished by MENC and Rowman & Littlefield Education, addresses a specific topic in mariachi education, including choosing appropriate repertoire, preparing for performances, and teaching each mariachi instrument—including voice.

Each instrument chapter includes practical advice on care of the instrument, tuning, posture, fingerings, technique, and the role of the instrument within the mariachi ensemble. With dozens of music exercises distributed throughout the chapters, this resource shows you how to build your students’ technical skills using mariachi repertoire so your students truly shine onstage. MENC National Advisory Committee members contributed the chapters, and William Gradante, chair-elect of the committee, is the editor. Visit www.rowmaneducation.com to learn more and order.

New Mariachi Resource: Make Your Beginners Sound Like Pros

Northeastern Music Publications, Inc. has released a new collection, Libro Acompañante Musical, as part of the ¡Simplemente Mariachi! series—the only standards-based, beginning-level mariachi series.

Libro Acompañante Musical is available in a full-score edition as well as four individual-part book editions for each instrument in the mariachi ensemble—violin, trumpet, guitar/vihuela, and guitarrón. Book 1 provides simple arrangements that will allow the beginning-level ensemble to sound like professional mariachis as they develop their musical skills along the way. Most songs contain Spanish lyrics, and a pronunciation guide is included in the appendix.

To get additional information, visit the Music Education Consultants Web site. Copies may be ordered through your local music store or by contacting the publisher directly at info@nemusicpub.com or 866-385-8446.

Smithsonian Debuts Virtual Exhibition of Latino Music

Música del Pueblo, Smithsonian’s new virtual exhibit, offers visitors a look at the roots of Latino music. Mariachi performance and education is included among the site’s 24 short videos. Take a virtual journey through the landscape and soundscape at www.musicadelpueblo.org.

MENC Member’s Mariachi Program Featured in Local Paper

The Dallas Morning News recently featured a story on MENC member Alan Lambert's mariachi program in the Grand Prairie school district of Texas. Mariachi Grand Prairie now includes students from three schools, and the program's enrollment has doubled over the past year. Lambert teaches five mariachi classes in the district. Read more at Dallas News.com.

Mariachi Conferences and Festivals

Below you will find information about mariachi events in the upcoming months. These events are excellent opportunities for professional development as well as for enjoying mariachi performances.

Visit MENC’s Mariachi Events Web page for a full list of mariachi concerts, festivals, and conferences across the nation.

Encuentro Internacional de Mariachi
August 28–September 7, 2008, Guadalajara, Mexico

Now in its 15th year, this festival features performances by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi de América de Jesús Rodríguez de Hijar, and more. Visit www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx/ for more information.

Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival
September 13, 2008, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

This event features Aida Cuevas, Gilberto Gless, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and others. Visit www.eliasentertainment.com or call 800-637-1006 for more information.

San Jose International Mariachi Festival
September 21–28, 2008, San Jose, California

With a week of concerts, workshops, and events, this festival features a one-day conference for mariachi educators as well as student workshops, a student showcase, and performances by Aida Cuevas, Linda Ronstadt, Mariachi Cobre, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, and Pepe Aguilar. Learn more at http://sanjosemariachifestival.com/index.php.

MENC News and Announcements

August Monthly Special: Toot Your Own Horn!

The August MENC member monthly special features the MENC advocacy brochure series, “The Power of Music … Changing Lives.” This packet of four advocacy brochures is designed to give parents, school board members, and principals “the why and the how” of supporting school music education.

In August only, MENC members can purchase the Teachers’ Pack (set of 4 different brochures) for only $2.50—half off the regular price! No additional purchase is required.

This special is not available at state conference resource shops. Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.menc.org to order.

#4035R. Teachers Pack: $2.50 MENC members
(Set of 4—one of each brochure: A Guide for School Board Members, A Guide for Parents, A Guide for Elementary School Principals, A Guide for Secondary School Principals.) Each brochure can also be purchase separately as a pack of 25.

MENC Announces Music In Our Schools Month 2009 Theme

Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM®) in March is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. MIOSM began as a single statewide celebration in 1973 and has grown over the decades to encompass a monthlong celebration of school music. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. This year’s theme is “Music! Just Imagine…” Visit the MIOSM Web site to view this year’s logos and learn more about how your school can participate.

Why Music? PSAs Feature Clay Aiken, Marty Stuart

This month, look for new PSAs from MENC featuring popular artists discussing the value of music education. Contact your local station or campus station and ask the station manager to play the PSAs. Learn more and listen here.

New Jazz Resource

Teaching Improv in Your Jazz Ensemble: A Complete Guide for Music Educators
By Zachary B. Poulter

This resource will guide you in designing an effective sequence for teaching improvisation and reinforcing it with correlating jazz ensemble charts. Over 180 arrangements of jazz standards are indexed to correlate with the sequence of improvisation study. Learn how to design a sequence of instruction, interpret chord symbols, rehearse improvisation in a group format, and assess jazz improvisation. Also learn about the philosophy and history of the educational jazz ensemble. To order this book, visit www.rowmaneducation.com.

Read an interview with the author here.

Rock and Roll Curriculum

MENC and Scholastic are supporting the creation of Little Steven’s Rock and Roll High School, the first major educational initiative of the Rock and Roll Forever Foundation. It will include free materials, such as teacher guidelines, lesson plans, DVDs, and CDs, that will allow music teachers and others to bring rock and roll history to life in their classrooms. You can sign up for e-mail updates by visiting www.rockandrollforever.org.

Teaching Resources at Your Virtual Fingertips: MENC Journals Now Online

MENC’s five academic journals are now available online at no charge to MENC members through an agreement with SAGE Publications, an independent international publisher. The online archives include issues of Music Educators Journal, Journal of Research in Music Education, General Music Today, Journal of Music Teacher Education, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.

“Free online access to Music Educators Journal (MEJ) and to the Journal of Research in Music Education for MENC members is the first of many benefits stemming from our relationship with SAGE. Neither of these two journals has been available online before,” said MENC Executive Director John Mahlmann. “Access to all five journals back to volume 1, issue 1, is the next benefit for our members. For MEJ, that means going all the way back to the September 1914 issue of Music Supervisors Bulletin.”

Visit the MENC Periodicals page for classroom ideas and support, music education research, and more.

National Anthem Day 2008: September 12

Music teachers around the nation will hold National Anthem Day 2008 events on Friday, September 12, to showcase the important role music education plays in teaching American historical and musical traditions. Events will center on the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at 9 am local time. For more information, visit The National Anthem Project.

Question of the Month

Each month, MENC asks its members for their input on current issues and trends in music education. This month’s question is, “If you were given $20,000 to spend for your music classes this coming year, how would you spend it?” Visit www.menc.org to share your thoughts.