Arizona State University mariachi program connects students to Hispanic culture

PHOENIX — Arizona State University’s mariachi ensemble meets every week, bringing together community members and students as they connect with their roots and Hispanic culture.

The university has two programs, a general community ensemble called Mariachi Diablos del Sol, which accepts musicians of all levels. There’s also a more advanced performance group, Mariachi Oro del Sol, which requires auditions.

Victoria Gonzalez Laredo, the director of the mariachi program, told KTAR News 92.3 FM the program has been connecting ASU students with local Arizonans for 40 years.

“They get to experience some of the most beautiful parts of our culture, which is our music, and it is a fantastic way for them to tap into those roots,” Laredo said.

What impact has ASU’s mariachi program had students?

Rachel Russell is an ASU student who is double majoring in music and culture as well as anthropology. She explained for her, the music is personal, helping her fill the cultural gaps that were left after her Hispanic grandmother passed away.

“I didn’t speak Spanish at home anymore … and so it felt like the culture itself just kind of disappeared,” Russell said. “But starting mariachi and doing it through school, as a career, … it’s helped me to connect with that again and realize that it’s something I really do love.”

Russell began playing violin with the larger ensemble when she was in 8th grade. She highlighted how mariachi provides more of an emotional connection to the music and audience than other classical pieces.

The advanced mariachi group is preparing to perform with the Phoenix Symphony for Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

Micheal Flores, the assistant director of Mariachi Oro del Sol, said that for many people music helps them incorporate their feelings into song.

“Music speaks when there’s no words,” Flores said.  “That’s the best way I can say what music does for us. When we are expressing our Mexican roots, our culture. I mean… even if you don’t understand what we’re saying, you hear all the beautiful notes from the violin, the trumpet.”

ASU students receive class credits for participating in the mariachi ensemble.

Funding for this journalism is made possible by the Arizona Local News Foundation.

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