XL Cover Story: Mariachi without borders
From grade schools to colleges, Central Texans put a fresh face on the traditional Mexican ensembles
By Josefina VillicañaJan. 13, 2005
Lyrics pregnant with melancholy arouse memories of a forlorn and unrequited romance. Pulsating sounds awaken the heart, recalling the golden era of Mexican cinema or accompanying the bride as a father leads her arm-in-arm down the aisle. Profound melodies define patriotic Mexican festivities and mark each change in a family's progress through life.
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Photo by Ralph Barrera/AA-S
St. Edward's University's mariachi group was started by a few motivated students. |
But what about the next generation? Who will preserve and celebrate this profoundly Mexican tradition?
Look to the young. And look not to Mexico, but to Texas. The state counts about 250 programs that teach mariachi in schools, from elementary through the college level. Bedichek Middle School is home to one of the youngest conjunto ensembles in the area.
"I have between 12 and 16 students each year, including brothers and sisters," says Michael Werst, director of the Bedichek mariachi band.
Universities, especially in the Southwest, also aim to inject new life into a basically nostalgic heritage. Gerard Béhague, ethnomusicologist at the University of Texas, says UT formed its first mariachi 25 years ago. Other universities that can't claim decades of experience are catching on as well. St. Edward's University hosts a group of dedicated and talented students who are making a name for their school performing in community celebrations and participating in national mariachi contests. Although this mariachi band was formed less than a year ago, the group joined San Antonio's 10th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in December.
No longer the province of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants, mariachi is a music whose time has come -- again. And it could be argued that musicians and teachers in Texas and the rest of the United States are driving the evolution of the mariachi.
The crib of mariachi
It's indisputable that these regional sounds originated in Jalisco -- "the crib of mariachi," as it is tenderly referred to in Mexico. Perhaps it's no coincidence that it's the same area where tequila was born. That fiery drink is closely associated with mariachi music and is often raised in toasts as the sounds of corridos flavor the atmosphere.
Not so clear, however, is the origin of this controversial word, as musicologists and folklorists continue to argue how "mariachi" was formed.
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¡Víva el Maríachí! Mariachi Vargas concert Mariachi Vargas, a 13-member group based in Mexico City, is widely considered one of the best mariachi in the world (and at more than 100 years old, one of the most established). The group has toured with Linda Ronstadt and recently contributed to Latin superstar Luis Miguel's new album of traditional ballads, 'Mexico en la Piel.' This is their first Austin performance. |
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But this long-held belief was discredited by the discovery of a document predating the French presence in Mexico that refers to the musical groups as "mariachis."
Another common misconception, according to Candelaria, is that the word is a diminutive of the name "Maria." An authoritative explanation doesn't exist.
What isn't argued is that this style of music sprouted in a humble region where peasants dressed in simple clothes and huaraches (sandals) in the 19th century.
Modern mariachis include as their essential instruments guitars, trumpets, vihuelas (a smaller version of the guitar), violins and guitarrons (a larger version of the vihuela that eventually replaced the harp and has six strings).
Old songs -- such as "Son Jaliscience" from Cocula in Jalisco -- dominate the repertoire. One of the most widely known selections is the complexly rhythmic "La Negra." (Virtually all mariachi bands can play these requests.)
Other regions besides the mariachi home base of Jalisco developed different "sons" (songs) that eventually became associated with their place of origin, such as the "Son Huapango," "Son Huasteco" and "Son Jarocho." The "jarabe tapatío," literally a sweet mixed drink from Jalisco, is a potpourri of different styles of songs, depending on the region.
Once the sounds emerge from a mariachi band, but before having seen performers, the mind conjures distinct images: the outfit of a classic charro, which includes an enormous round sombrero and a two-piece suit, usually black, decorated with silver buttons and embroidery (although in current times outfits are found in an array of colors).
When it comes to mariachi ensembles, El Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán -- which plays Bass Concert Hall in March -- is considered a favorite. Founded by Gaspar Vargas in 1898, this mariachi was invited to play when president Lázaro Cárdenas entered office in 1934, which transformed the group into the public's darlings. Years later they still stand out as the ideal for younger students eager to emulate them.
They are "without a doubt the best," says Mónica Saldívar, a 19-year-old student at St. Edward's.
Developing the talent
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Photos by Brian K. Diggs
At Bedichek Middle School, the tradition of mariachi is passed down to young Austinites. From the top are are students from last year: Carlos Emmons, violin; Ricardo Rangel, guitarron; Viridiana Castro, violin; Ricardo Rangel again. |
"The movement to revive mariachis began during the '70s and '80s," says José R. Torres, music professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio. The sound is, naturally, popular with Latinos. "Parents want their children to connect to their heritage."
One reason this music has remained in the consciousness of the culture has been because of the conferences that offer workshops and healthy competitions. (In many countries, the health of folk music is fostered as much by academics as it is by the folk itself.)
The contests foster young talent and allow eager students to learn directly from professionals in the field. Besides offering the opportunity to interact with thousands of others who share the same passion for mariachi music, students can refine their skills by participating in specific workshops that deal with topics ranging from better ways to interpret classic pieces to refining playing methods.
Yet there is a drawback in the explosive popularity in mariachi conferences: the lack of intimacy and in-depth instruction possible with smaller groups. "There are workshops so popular that I've seen students spill outside the door," says Candelaria.
Annual conferences occur in cities such as Tucson, Ariz., and Albuquerque, N.M., and in states including Washington and Illinois. Of course, San Antonio, where some of these conferences originated, hasn't fallen behind.
"We host the largest competition of school mariachis in the United States, with over 50 ensembles participating," said Cynthia Muñoz, from Muñoz Public Relations, who organized the Mariachi Extravaganza in December. "The mariachi who wins the contest has the honor to open for Mariachi Vargas" in the final night concert, Muñoz added.
Student ensembles
In Texas, mariachis and student programs have coexisted for many decades. "We formed the first mariachi in 1976, and in 1977 we had our first performance," Béhague says of UT's group. This ensemble attracts students who had the opportunity to practice this style of music in junior or high school, and want to continue developing.
"It's a dynamic group. Most of them are majoring in different fields" that in some cases are not associated with music, Béhague says. In honor of Américo Paredes, the great folklorist and one of the founders of the group, this mariachi is named Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán.
Not far away at St. Edward's, a group of students gathers two or three times a week to refine their technique. This mariachi started because a few students who had previous experience with mariachi music pushed the idea. Anita Ramos, from Eagle Pass, discovered an ardor for mariachi music two years ago. "She was a key player in the creation of the mariachi," said Linda Valdez, counselor for the St. Edward's University Mariachi.
"I like to spend time with others who share my passion," Ramos says. "Some of the students say: 'I want to play, but I only know how to play the violin because I was in band since junior high.' "
Universities, particularly in the Southwest, have granted this music the respect it deserves. In fact, they gave mariachi lovers in Mexico the idea to begin conferences with workshops.
Texas State University in San Marcos, whose band recently toured Scotland, is preparing to implement a certification for those who want to teach mariachi music.
"The certification is not necessary for someone to teach mariachi music, but it will enhance their ability to teach," said Lucy Bloor, academic counselor at the Texas State School of Music. Muñoz estimates that some 10,000 students are registered in mariachi programs in Texas alone.
Inspired by another era
Perhaps some Mexican icons have helped elevate and popularize the image of the mariachi. Roles interpreted by the likes of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís during the golden age of Mexican cinema, and in more modern times by José Alfredo Jiménez, Antonio Aguilar and Lola Beltran have contributed to their mystique. When these names are evoked, they are as familiar to those with Mexican or Latino heritage as Frank Sinatra or other idols of bygone eras to those who grew up in the United States.
In Mexico, mariachi reached its peak popularity in the '50s and '60s. Since then, it has become a nostalgic genre with very few new pieces composed (or at least popularized at the same universal level of recognition that original songs from its older era have). What is familiar to most is the repertoire that was played and popularized during that time. Some of the songs are interpreted by vocalists who belong to a new generation, vocalists such as Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar and Lucero. Some of the students who admire these singers relate to them better than they relate to their parents' idols, and it's what brings them to mariachi music.
Professional mariachis work for the pleasure of the clients and, be it at restaurants or plazas filled with couples, it's in their best interest to be well-versed in the classics. Although not all the students who take on mariachi in band at school or later at the university level plan to build a career out of it, like the professionals, they attempt to widen their repertoire with sones, polkas, waltzes, boleros and rancheras.
Contagious conjuntos
"I would love to see students get involved with the chorus and orchestra programs in their schools," Candelaria says. He sees mariachi music as a final step, so that students in high school who have been practicing music and mastered the basics can add this specialty.
"When I was in school I learned mariachi music after school from individuals who played this music professionally," Candelaria says. Although he recognized the value that a professional can contribute to students, he prefers that they mentor students in cooperation with music teachers, and once students have learned the basics.
"I fear that the limited funds in the school system (encourage) teaching mariachi music as an alternative to chorus or orchestra, and not in addition to," Candelaria says.
Despite academic demands and jobs that some students must maintain in addition to their school work, many don't give up their passion for mariachi music. "It amazes me to see how dedicated they are. They invest so much of themselves, of their energy and their time," Valdez says.
"Mariachi music is different from any other music," said Freddy Azura, a vocalist who also plays guitarron at St. Edward's. "I like to sing songs that people recognize everywhere."
One of his rewards is knowing he's keeping his culture strong and alive.
"It makes me feel great knowing that we are maintaining a tradition," Azura says. Another reward is the applause from the public, and the acknowledgement that they continue to stay connected to their heritage.
"They are not willing to let go of their roots," Valdez says, "and that level of dedication astounds me."
One tradition that leaves lasting memories is arriving before the sun rises to awaken an unsuspecting birthday boy or girl with the impressive sound of "Las Mañanitas" -- the early-morning song of birthdays and saints' days -- with an ensemble of fully costumed mariachis.
Mariachis transform common celebrations into unforgettable memories. Many say the revival that's taken place in the United States has given new life to mariachi music in Mexico and the rest of the world. The reality is that mariachis allow everyone to celebrate life with more gusto.
jvillicana@statesman.com; 445-3637
