• MARIACHI

     

    There are two performing ensembles:  Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco and Mariachi Los Pasajeros.  The mariachi ensembles consist of the following instruments:  violin, trumpet, vihuela, guitar, guitarra de golpe, guitarron and arpa jalisciense.  Each student is also required to sing either as a soloist, with the group or both.  Students are selected and placed in the two mariachi ensembles based on a competitive audition process.  Continued participation and success in the program requires a balance of practice time for mariachi and homework time for their academics while displaying the highest standards of conduct both in school and outside of school.  Established in 1998, the young program has done performances throughout the state and has performed for artists such as Julio Martinez, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan and HGO's own Vanessa Alonzo to name a few.  Each group will perform a minimum of 4 concerts/performances per year.

     
     
    Mariachi Nuevo Jalisco
     
    This intermediate performing ensemble is designed for our younger students to learn the standard mariachi repertoire and performance standards.  Here, we work on the various styles of mariachi while working and improving individual instrumental and vocal technique through group ensemble rehearsals.  This group mostly performs at concerts and events at school, but will occasionally get the opportunity to perform at some community outreach events throughout the Houston area.  These students rehearse every other morning for 3 hours.
     
     
    Mariachi Los Pasajeros
     
    This advanced performing ensemble is for our more experienced members and works a combination of the mariachi standards and the more advanced repertoire.  These students expand their current knowledge of the mariachi styles and techniques while continuing to improve their individual playing technique through our group ensemble rehearsals.  Here, we focus our energy on the instrumental/vocal execution and showmanship/performance of each song learned.  As the face of the mariachi program, this group plays at all concerts and events at school as well as other performances, recruiting opportunities, contest/competitions and other community outreach opportunities held off campus throughout the year.  These students rehearse every other afternoon for 3 hours.