Mariachi Regional and Ethnic Styles

Mariachi Regional and Ethnic Styles

Mariachi

The word "mariachi" originated in the language of the Coca Indians as early as the 1500's. It meant simply "musician" and was used to mean any person that engaged in musical activities... The instruments of a modern mariachi group will include violins, trumpets, a vihuela, a guitarrón and one or more guitars. Many groups use other unconventional instruments such as flute or accordion, but these are not accepted as mariachi standard. The harp and the guitarra de golpe, a guitar variant, are sometimes used and are considered proper mariachi instruments. Both of these were part of the colonial and cuarteto mariachi groups of the 1800's and early part of this century. The guitarrón and vihuela give the ensemble a very distinct sound. Theses two instruments are not found in any other kind of ensemble. The guitarrón is a large bass guitar-like instrument with a large belly in the back. It has six strings tuned within an octave and a half range. This is the heartbeat of the mariachi ensemble. The vihuela is a small guitar variant also with a belly and five treble strings. The attire of a mariachi group also defines this type of band. Mariachi musicians adapted the "charro" (Mexican Cowboy) suit as the standard costume when performing. Although many variations have been tried, it has remained the required dress. The "traje" consists of botines or ankles boots, a sombrero, a mono or large bow tie, a chaleco or short jacket, snug trousers without back pockets, a wide belt and botonaduras or shiny buttons on the side of the pants... Mariachi groups have an almost universal repertoire. Nearly every group is expected to know certain material that is native to the genre. These include songs such as Cielito Lindo, Jalisco, El Son de la Negra and El Rey. The definitive song form is the son. The son in indigenous to mariachi music and has several notable characteristics. The rhythmic pattern is an alteration between 3/4 and 6/8 with heavy syncopation. Trumpets and violins make extensive use a grace notes, and the lyrics are usually humorous or nonsensical. -- Rene Benavidez, International Folk Culture Center

Top: Arts: Music: Styles: Regional and Ethnic: Mariachi

See Also:

- Educational aids, resources, ideas and discussions for the Mariachi educator.
- Calendar of western US concerts and events, directory of groups, and links to history and review sites.
- Message board for discussion of technique, upcoming events, and sources of instruments and materials.
- A site dedicated to mariachis and mariachi music. Here you can find the latest news, concert information, lyrics and articles on artists such as Pedro Infante and Lola Beltran as well as information on mariachis groups all over the world.
- Searchable database of groups, with message board, classified ads, lyrics and sheet music. Most content in English, search for Mexican groups in Spanish.
- California. Offers afterschool programs including music, mentoring, and family involvement. Information on practice schedule, scholarships, annual festival and performance groups.
- Message group for band members, primarily in the US Southwest.
- A description of the mariachi harp and its uses, along with technical information on playing it in different keys.
- Performance and artist information and a streaming broadcast of all-mariachi music.

MySQL - Cache Direct sec.