Discover the Joy of Mariachi Music

Introduction to Mariachi Music

Mariachi music is a vibrant and iconic musical tradition that has its roots in the western region of Mexico, particularly in the state of Jalisco. Dating back to the 16th century, mariachi evolved from a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and other influences, becoming a symbol of Mexican cultural heritage (https://foxcitiespac.com/general/the-history-and-cultural-significance-of-mariachi/).

At its core, mariachi is an ensemble of musicians playing a variety of instruments such as violins, trumpets, guitars, vihuelas, and guitarrones. The lively music, characterized by its rhythms, harmonies, and distinctive outfits, has the power to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and celebration. Mariachi’s cultural significance lies in its ability to preserve and share the rich traditions, stories, and emotions of the Mexican people through song.

Our Mariachi Music Program: A Journey into the Heart of Mexican Culture

Step into the vibrant world of Mariachi music at the California Academy of the Arts (CALIACA). Our Mariachi program, led by the talented Director Coral Nuno and Assistant Director Matias Zuniga, invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mexican cultural heritage. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, our inclusive and nurturing environment provides the perfect space to explore the intricate melodies, rhythms, and soulful lyrics that define this beloved art form.

At CALIACA, we believe that Mariachi music is more than just notes on a page; it’s a powerful expression of history, emotion, and community. Our program is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation for this traditional genre while fostering musical excellence. Through a strong emphasis on technique, ensemble playing, and cultural understanding, we aim to equip our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become well-rounded Mariachi musicians.

Join us on this captivating journey as we celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of Mariachi music. As you immerse yourself in this rich tradition, you’ll not only gain musical proficiency but also develop a deeper connection to the vibrant heritage of Mexico. At CALIACA, we’re not just teaching music; we’re enriching lives through the arts, one song at a time.

Embark on Your Mariachi Violin Journey

Step into a world of vibrant melodies and rich cultural heritage with our beginner Mariachi violin classes. Open to aspiring musicians aged 10 and above, our supportive and engaging environment is the perfect place to begin your musical adventure. Under the guidance of our expert instructors, you’ll learn proper violin technique, music theory, and the captivating folk tunes of Mexico.

Learning the violin offers a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond musical skills. As highlighted by San Antonio Music Schools (https://www.sanantoniomusicschools.com/7-reasons-why-you-should-learn-to-play-violin/), playing the violin enhances coordination, dexterity, and even burns calories. Moreover, Trala (https://www.trala.com/resources/benefits-of-playing-the-violin) emphasizes that learning an instrument like the violin can reduce stress, boost cognitive abilities, and provide a creative outlet for self-expression.

Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to nurture a deep love for music while developing essential skills. You’ll learn to read music, master rhythms, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mariachi traditions. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to join our Mariachi ensemble or continue your violin studies, embracing the joy of music and cultural expression.

Join the Mariachi Rey Coliman Family

For musicians with at least one year of experience playing violin, guitarron, vihuela, trumpet, or guitar, we extend a warm invitation to join our esteemed Mariachi ensemble, Rey Coliman. This locally-renowned group offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage of Mariachi music through group rehearsals and performances.

As a member of Rey Coliman, you’ll have the chance to refine your skills alongside a community of passionate musicians. Our weekly rehearsals provide a structured environment to hone your technique and ensemble playing, fostering growth and camaraderie. As you progress, you’ll have the privilege of showcasing your talents at various community events and cultural celebrations throughout the year, sharing the joy of Mariachi with audiences far and wide.

Joining Rey Coliman is not just a musical journey; it’s a celebration of Mexican cultural traditions. By participating in this ensemble, you become part of a vibrant community that honors and preserves the unique history and artistry of Mariachi music. 

Why Choose Our Mariachi Program?

Step into a world of vibrant melodies and rich cultural heritage with our exceptional Mariachi music program. Under the expert guidance of renowned directors Coral Nuno and Matias Zuniga, you’ll embark on a transformative journey, mastering the art of Mariachi while immersing yourself in the captivating traditions of Mexico (https://meritmusic.org/benefits-music-education/).

Our program is a warm embrace, welcoming musicians of all ages and skill levels into a supportive and inclusive community. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps or an experienced musician seeking to deepen your craft, you’ll find a nurturing environment that fosters growth, exploration, and self-expression through the enchanting rhythms of Mariachi (https://www.laapa.com/blog/benefits-of-music-education). Join us and experience the joy of creating beautiful music while connecting with a cultural legacy that transcends borders and touches the soul.

Embracing Mexican Cultural Heritage

Mariachi music is a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of Mexican culture, a powerful expression of national identity and heritage. This captivating art form celebrates the rich traditions and history of Mexico, seamlessly blending elements from various musical styles while preserving its distinct character.

Through our Mariachi program, you’ll have the opportunity to forge a profound connection with your cultural roots. The melodies and lyrics of Mariachi resonate with the experiences and values of the Mexican people, capturing the essence of their struggles, triumphs, and joys.

As you learn and perform Mariachi pieces, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse influences that have shaped this genre, including indigenous, Spanish, and African elements. This exposure fosters a greater understanding and respect for the cultural diversity that exists within Mexico and beyond.

Moreover, our program opens its arms to individuals from all backgrounds, inviting them to immerse themselves in this captivating musical tradition. Mariachi, a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of Mexican heritage, transcends the boundaries of language and culture. It speaks to the heart, uniting people through the universal language of emotion and storytelling. (https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/mariachi-string-music-song-and-trumpet-00575)

As you immerse yourself in the world of Mariachi, you’ll not only hone your artistic skills but also forge a deep connection with your cultural roots. With each note played and each song sung, you’ll cultivate a sense of pride and belonging, celebrating the rich legacy that has been passed down through generations.

Embrace the Magic of Mariachi

Join us on a captivating journey through the vibrant landscape of Mariachi music and Mexican cultural heritage. Our program offers a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate this enchanting tradition. Don’t wait – sign up today and let the music ignite your soul!

If you’re new to the world of Mariachi, our beginner-friendly violin classes are the perfect starting point. Embrace the challenge of mastering a new instrument and discover the joy of creating music in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For those with existing musical skills, our esteemed Mariachi ensemble, Rey Coliman, awaits your talent. With at least one year of experience playing violin, guitarron, vihuela, trumpet, or guitar, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a group of dedicated musicians, bringing the captivating compositions of Mariachi to life.

Seize this opportunity to connect with your cultural heritage, nurture your artistic abilities, and create unforgettable memories. The enchanting world of Mariachi beckons – register now and let the rhythm of your heart guide you on this extraordinary journey!

Participate in our Mariachi Program

Complete the registration form below to start your Mariachi journey with California Academy of the Arts.

New Dancer Registration
  • Get Started
  • Student/Dancer Information
  • Health and Safety Information
  • Media Consent and Release

Student/Dancer Information

You have indicated that you are at least 18 years of age and are completing this form for yourself. If this is correct, please complete this section with information about yourself. 

If this is not correct, please go back to the previous section and choose the second option.

You have indicated that you are the parent/guardian of a minor and are completing this form on his/her behalf. If this is correct, please complete this section with information about the student/dancer. 

If this is not correct, please go back to the previous section and choose first option.

Based on the age of the dancer, we recommend one of the following programs:

BFRC Company

BFRC Company is Ballet Folklorico Rey Coliman's professional dance company. This program requires an audition and is intended for dancers age 16+ with advanced Folklorico experience.

BFRC Academy

BFRC Academy is Ballet Folklorico Rey Coliman's semi-professional group. This program requires an audition and is intended for dancers age 12-15 with intermediate Folklorico experience. BFRC Academy prepares dancers for a dance career with BFRC Company.

CALIACA Folklorico Open Intermediate

Our Folklorico Open Intermediate program is for dancers of all ages with intermediate Folklorico experience. This program features classically trained guest instructors from Mexico. There is no audition required for this program.

CALIACA Folklorico Youth

The Folklorico Youth program is intended for dancers age 9-12. This program is perfect for beginners and intermediate dancers and focuses on building a strong technical foundation in Folklorico.

CALIACA Folklorico Tots

The Folklorico Tots program is intended for dancers age 4-8 and is a great way to introduce young dancers to the art of Folklorico.

CALIACA Kid's Salsa

Intended for dancers age 10-16. This is a great starter program to introduce your children and young teens to the world of Salsa.

CALIACA Intermediate Salsa

Intended for dancers age 17+. This program is great for beginning adults and teens with Salsa experience.

Mariachi Guitar

Mariachi guitar is for musicians age 10+. It is open to musicians of all skill levels.

Mariachi Violin

Mariachi violin is for musicians age 10+. It is open to musicians of all skill levels.

Mariachi Ensemble

Musicians with a minimum of one year of experience are invited to join Marichi Rey Coliman. Violin, Guitarron, Vihuela, Trumpet, and Guitar.

You have selected a program that requires an audition.

If you are trying to register for a program that does not require an audition, please review your selection.

If you are trying to register for a program that requires an audition, but have not yet completed your audition, please complete your audition and wait for your invitation before registering. Auditions can be scheduled here.

If you have completed your audition and received an invitation, please confirm below.

Health and Safety Policy

The California Academy of the Arts is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment for all dancers. As part of our commitment to ensuring the well-being of our students, we have qualified staff members who may administer basic first aid when necessary. This includes the management of minor injuries or addressing immediate health concerns during their time at the academy or at academy events.

However, it is important to note that our staff members are not medical professionals. In the event of more serious or urgent medical issues where the student/dancer is unable to make his/her own medical decisions, our staff will make every effort to contact parents/guardians/emergency contacts or primary care physicians to seek additional guidance and ensure appropriate medical care is obtained. We understand the importance of involving parents/guardians and primary care physicians in such situations to ensure the best possible care for our students/dancers.

By participating in programs and activities at the California Academy of the Arts, dancers and/or their parents/guardians acknowledge and consent to our staff members providing basic first aid when deemed necessary, and understand that our staff members will seek appropriate medical guidance in the event of more serious or urgent medical issues.

Emergency Contact

In case of any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, we must have the contact details of someone we can contact on your behalf. This information will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used in case of emergencies. You must provide a minimum of one emergency contact, but we prefer at least two.

Media Consent and Release

I hereby grant California Academy of the Arts (hereinafter referred to as "the Academy" or "CALIACA") the permission to use images, videos, and likenesses of the student/dancer for promotional, educational, and publicity purposes.

I understand and agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. Use of Images: The Academy may capture and use photographs, videos, and other visual media featuring the student/dancer in various activities related to the Academy, including but not limited to performances, rehearsals, classes, and events.
  2. Purpose of Use: The Academy may use these images, videos, and likenesses for promotional materials, including brochures, flyers, newsletters, websites, social media, advertisements, and any other marketing materials. These materials may be used for both print and digital mediums.
  3. Consent for Unlimited Time and Territory: I grant the Academy unlimited license and permission to use the student/dancer's images, videos, and likenesses indefinitely, throughout the world, without any payment or compensation.
  4. Confidentiality: The Academy will take reasonable measures to ensure the student/dancer's personal information is handled with care and will not be shared with any third parties without express consent.
  5. Voluntary Participation: I acknowledge that the participation in any activities involving the use of images, videos, and likenesses is voluntary, and I give my consent willingly.
  6. Release and Waiver: I release California Academy of the Arts, its employees, agents, and representatives from any liability or claims, including but not limited to claims related to defamation, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement, that may arise from the use of the student/dancer's images, videos, and likenesses.
  7. Right to Withdraw Consent: I understand that I have the right to withdraw my consent at any time by providing written notice to the Academy. However, I agree that any materials produced before the withdrawal of consent may continue to be used.

 

By checking the box below, I confirm that I have read and understood this consent and release form, and I give my full consent for California Academy of the Arts to use images, videos, and likenesses of the student/dancer as described above.