Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant World of Mariachi

Mariachi music is a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of Mexican culture, its roots stretching back to the 18th century. Born from the harmonious fusion of European and Indigenous influences, this captivating musical tradition has become a global ambassador for the spirit of Mexico. [https://content.westmusic.com/resources/brief-history-of-mariachi/]

Each instrument in the mariachi ensemble plays a vital role in bringing the music to life. From the soaring melodies of the trumpet to the deep, resonant tones of the guitarrĂłn, and the lively strumming of the vihuela and guitars, these elements intertwine with passionate vocals to create a sound that is uniquely and unmistakably Mexican. [https://www.savethemusic.org/blog/mariachi-music/]

But mariachi is more than just music; it is a powerful symbol of Mexican identity and pride. Its evolution mirrors the resilience and creativity of the Mexican people, who have shaped this art form through centuries of cultural change and historical challenges. [https://houstonsymphony.org/untold-story-mariachi-music/]

Elevate Your Skills in Our Advanced Mariachi Class

At the California Academy of the Arts, our Advanced Mariachi class invites you to deepen your connection with this rich cultural tradition. Under the guidance of our passionate instructors, you’ll refine your instrumental and vocal techniques, unlocking new levels of artistic expression.

Our classes are designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration. As you work alongside fellow musicians, you’ll exchange ideas, support each other’s growth, and form lasting bonds through your shared love of mariachi. This supportive environment ensures that your learning experience is as enriching as it is enjoyable.

Join us on this exciting journey and discover the transformative power of mariachi. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic beginner, our Advanced Mariachi class will help you embrace the vibrant spirit of this beloved musical tradition. Embark on a transformative musical journey with our Advanced Mariachi class, where passion and tradition intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Our instructors are not just seasoned mariachi performers; they are guardians of a cherished art form, dedicated to preserving and sharing its vibrant legacy. With their wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they’ll guide you through the intricacies of mariachi music, helping you overcome challenges and unlock your full potential.

Whether you’re a violinist, trumpeter, guitarist, or vocalist, our Advanced Mariachi class will ignite your passion and inspire you to reach new heights in your musical journey.

Elevating Your Mariachi Artistry

In our Advanced Mariachi class, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your instrumental mastery and vocal techniques, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of mariachi tradition. Through dedicated practice and expert guidance, you’ll hone your skills in areas such as:

  • Instrumental Virtuosity: Develop advanced proficiency on iconic mariachi instruments like the trumpet, violin, guitarrĂłn, and vihuela, mastering intricate rhythms and soulful melodies. (https://www.theexcellencecollection.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mariachi-music/)

  • Vocal Expression: Explore the emotional depths of mariachi vocal styles, from powerful gritos to seamless harmonization, expanding your range and captivating your audience.

  • Stylistic Authenticity: Delve into the rich performance practices that define mariachi music, capturing the essence of regional styles and imbuing your playing with heartfelt emotion.

  • Improvisational Flair: Embrace the spontaneous spirit of mariachi by learning to embellish melodies and create musical conversations that showcase your unique artistry.

Our expert instructors will guide you through these advanced techniques, helping you forge a profound connection to the art form and elevate your skills to new heights.

Embracing the Mariachi Community

By joining our Advanced Mariachi class, you’ll become part of a vibrant community united by a shared love for this captivating art form. Beyond honing your skills, this class offers invaluable opportunities to connect with fellow musicians who share your passion. Together, you’ll have the chance to perform at cultural events and celebrations, showcasing the beauty of this art form to diverse audiences. By joining our class, you’ll contribute to the ongoing legacy of mariachi, ensuring its traditions are passed down to future generations.

Enroll at CALIACA Today

Step into the vibrant world of mariachi music at California Academy of the Arts (CALIACA) in Montebello, CA. Our Advanced Mariachi class, held every Monday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offers a welcoming space for musicians to hone their craft and connect with their cultural roots.

Conveniently located in the heart of Montebello, our academy is easily accessible to those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of mariachi music.

New Dancer Registration
  • Get Started
  • Student/Dancer Information
  • Health and Safety Information
  • Media Consent and Release
  • CALIACA Community Contract
  • Submit

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.

CALIACA Community Contract: Dancing Together in Harmony

Welcome to the vibrant and inclusive dance community at the California Academy of the Arts (CALIACA)! As we embark on this captivating journey together, let us embrace the rich traditions of dance and create a nurturing environment where every dancer can flourish. By joining CALIACA, you become part of a colorful tapestry woven with passion, history, and a deep respect for cultural heritage.

To ensure that our dance studio remains a haven of artistic expression and personal growth, we invite all members to uphold the following code of conduct:

  1. Celebrate Diversity: At CALIACA, we believe that our differences make us stronger. Embrace the beautiful mosaic of cultures within our dance community and actively seek to learn from and appreciate one another's unique backgrounds and experiences.
    • Appropriate behavior: Engaging in respectful conversations about cultural traditions, actively listening to others' stories, and showing appreciation for the diverse perspectives within our community.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Making derogatory comments or jokes about someone's cultural background, dismissing or belittling the experiences of others, or promoting stereotypes.
  2. Respect and Kindness: Treat every member of our dance family with the utmost respect and kindness. Offer words of encouragement, support each other's efforts, and applaud one another's achievements. Together, we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every dancer feels valued and supported.
    • Appropriate behavior: Offering genuine compliments and encouragement to fellow dancers, actively listening when others are speaking, and treating everyone with compassion and empathy.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Engaging in gossip or negative talk about others, dismissing or ignoring someone's concerns or feelings, or using harsh or belittling language.
  3. Honor Dance Traditions: Approach each dance form with reverence and a desire to understand its rich history. Take the time to explore the cultural significance behind each movement and the stories woven into the fabric of our dances. By honoring these traditions, we pay tribute to the generations of dancers who have come before us and keep the spirit of dance alive.
    • Appropriate behavior: Demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about the history and cultural context of each dance form, asking respectful questions, and showing appreciation for the knowledge shared by instructors and experienced dancers.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Mocking or disrespecting traditional dance elements, refusing to learn about the cultural significance of the dances, or appropriating cultural elements without proper understanding or context.
  4. Foster Inclusivity: At CALIACA, we celebrate diversity and foster inclusivity. Discrimination or derogatory language towards any member of our dance community based on their race, ethnicity, age, or background will not be tolerated. Instead, let us embrace the opportunity to learn from one another and create a welcoming space for all.
    • Appropriate behavior: Actively seeking to include and welcome all members of our dance community, regardless of their background or experience level, and promoting an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Engaging in discriminatory or exclusionary behavior, using offensive language or slurs, or making others feel unwelcome or unvalued based on their identity.
  5. Engage in Collaborative Learning: Dance is a collaborative art form, and we all have a role to play in each other's growth. During classes and rehearsals, maintain a spirit of cooperation and respect for the learning process. Listen attentively to instructors, follow directions, and work together to create enchanting dance experiences.
    • Appropriate behavior: Actively participating in classes and rehearsals, offering constructive feedback and support to fellow dancers, and maintaining a positive attitude towards learning and growth.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Disrupting classes or rehearsals, ignoring instructions from instructors, or engaging in competitive or uncooperative behavior that hinders the learning process.
  6. Celebrate Cultural Heritage: Embrace the cultural richness of dance with an open heart and mind. Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions, costumes, and music that make each dance form so captivating. By celebrating and preserving these cultural elements, we honor the legacy of dance and share its beauty with the world.
    • Appropriate behavior: Showing genuine appreciation for the cultural elements of dance, treating costumes and props with care and respect, and actively participating in cultural celebrations and events.
    • Inappropriate behavior: Disrespecting or mishandling cultural items, refusing to engage with the cultural aspects of dance, or appropriating cultural elements without proper understanding or permission.

At CALIACA, we believe that by fostering a community built on respect, inclusivity, and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of dance, we can create an environment where every dancer can thrive. Together, let us step into the rhythm of ethnic culture, support each other's artistic journeys, and let the joy of dance unite us in a celebration of life, passion, and cultural heritage.