PUBLIC BENEFIT CONCERT BIOGRAPHIES

Mariachi Correcaminos

The Mariachi Correcaminos (Roadrunners) of MSU Denver started as a student club by a small group of Adams City High School mariachi alumni who united to practice in 2013. In 2015, the MSU’s Music Department moved forward to offer mariachi as an accredited class that also serves to fulfill a music major’s degree course requirement.

Mariachi is offered to promote understanding and appreciation of Mexican music and culture through developing sophisticated level artistry in mariachi performance. The program is directed by Dr. Phil Ficsor, in collaboration with Dr. Lorenzo Trujillo. The Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra provides support and master classes for the group. Professional mariachi educators have taught our students including: Dr. Jeff Nevin, José Hernández, Rebecca Gonzáles, and Juventino Romero - Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra.

Class membership includes music majors and non-majors pursuing performance skills in mariachi music. Some of them have become teachers of mariachi music in public schools. Others have pursued professional careers as mariachis in Guadalajara, San Antonio and throughout Colorado. Isahar Mendez Flores, mariachi program graduate founded The Colorado Youth Mariachi Program - a community youth mariachi teaching and performance organization. In the past, students have performed at the Colorado Music Educators’ Association Conference at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, for Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the U.S. Supreme Court, the Mexican Consulate, and with the Colorado Symphony, among others.

In addition, the MSU Mariachi Program, in collaboration with the Latino Cultural Arts Center, hosts the annual Viva Southwest Mariachi Festival offering workshops, lectures, a showcase concert and a headliner concert featuring experiences with outstanding master mariachi teachers and performing artists.

Mariachi Sol De Mi Tierra

Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra was formed through the idea to show people something fresh and different from the already existing groups in Denver, Colorado. On August 6th of 1999, four young enthusiasts, Oscar Vaca, Jesus Ramirez, Raul Romero, and Vicente Romero, gave their complete trust and hope to whom would be the leader of the group, Juventino Romero. Together sitting at a table they decided to plan this adventure that with a lot of determination, practice and hard work, soon would blossom into something wonderful. Throughout the years more musicians would join, which lead to the eight musicians that are a part of the group today.