“Viva Mexico!” Sombreros raise high in the cool stage air as a large community of passionate individuals come together to celebrate the history and culture of Mexico through the art of music and dance.
Not many people are familiar with the art of Mariachi and Folklórico dance, so it was an inviting experience to have such talented youth in our college community of UM-Flint. Mariachi is a style of music and dance deeply embedded in Mexican culture. Traditional Mariachi includes instruments many are familiar with, such as the guitar, violin, and trumpet. Also included are native lesser known instruments such as the Guitarron (a six string acoustic bass with a deep body) as well as the vihuela (a small five string guitar). Mariachi also heavily uses the voice both for singing as well as a certain vocal technique known as El Grito. El Grito is a traditional combination of a cry and a laugh that passionately represents the Independence of Mexico and past civic celebrations. The singing style felt very rustic and crafted with love. It gave a sense of uplift in me, a sense of pride for what I had and what to celebrate. This cultural showcase concert was organized and led by El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil, a leading music program based in Flint, Michigan.
The early afternoon concert was filled with students of many backgrounds coming together to celebrate Mexican tradition. What I really enjoyed about this concert was the vast inclusion of levels of experience. The concert opened with the instructors of the program, followed by student ensembles such as the Mariachi Knights, Mariachi los Tigres, Mariachi Alebrijes, and the Beginning Mariachi. Not only as a concert attendee but also as an assistant volunteer, I was shocked and amazed to know that the last few songs of the program were learned over only two days. This goes to show how strong the education program is, and as well it shows the dedication and strength of the musicians to come together and work as one over something completely new. Groups from Flint to Detroit displayed to me wonderful tunes that had me clapping along in my seat.
Mariachi music is often based on melodies from folk songs from other regions in Mexico. As an audience member I can recount several melodic lines that I had previously come across in early piano study course books, many of which also take from universal folk songs. One of the songs on the program featured a classical vocal work, Por Ti, Volaré by Andrea Bocelli. The Mariachi sound mixed with a new context of a classical vocals, created a beautiful rendition of the work. The ensemble of trumpet, violin, and voice led by Brandon Sexton, produced a performance that elicited resounding applause from the audience.
One of the lead Instructors, Gino Rivera, guided the group from the morning rehearsal right up to the concert’s opening note. What Gino Rivera loves about teaching mariachi to young students is seeing the progress, growth, and confidence in people. He noted that many people of Mexican background my feel alone or even ashamed of their ancestry, but being in Mariachi allows them to find their identity outside of the house and truly thrive. Exposing culture to a more public eye strengthens the beliefs and passions of those looking to grow. Music transverses all cultures, and is a great way to express the history of many.
Sue Quintanilla, Founder and Director of El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantil hopes to grow and strengthen the community. Anyone Interesting in joining the program can visit the website, ebfedance.org for more information. I hope to see more from the group in the future and I am so glad I was able to indulge in this beautiful cultural experience.
(Photography credited to Nathan Cross, ncrossmusic@gmail.com)
