UMS Teacher Resource Guide - Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan

U M S Y out h E d u c at i o n P r o g r a m

M a r i a c h i Va r g a s d e T e c a l i t l á n T EACHER RES O U RCE G U IDE 2 0 1 0 – 2 0 1 1

MARIACHI

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SUPPORTERS

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation University of Michigan Anonymous Arts at Michigan Arts Midwest’s Performing Arts Fund The Dan Cameron Family Foundation/Alan and Swanna Saltiel

Funded in part by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, General Mills Foundation, and Land O' Lakes Foundation.

This Teacher Resource Guide is a product of the UMS Youth Education Program. Researched, written, and edited by Emily Barkakati and Sarah Suhadolnik.

CFI Group Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Endowment Fund DTE Energy Foundation

Special thanks to Cynthia Munoz, Nyria Melchor, Linda Grekin, Emily Michels, Pam Reister, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, Matthew Mejia, and Omari Rush for their contributions, feedback, and support in developing this guide.

The Esperance Family Foundation David and Jo-Anna Featherman Forest Health Services David and Phyllis Herzig Endowment Fund JazzNet Endowment W.K. Kellogg Foundation John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Masco Corporation Foundation Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION [of R. & P. Heydon] National Dance Project of the New England Foundation for the Arts National Endowment for the Arts Prudence and Amnon Rosenthal K-12 Education Endowment Fund PNC Bank Target TCF Bank UMS Advisory Committee University of Michigan Credit Union University of Michigan Health System U-M Office of the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs U-M Office of the Vice President for Research Wallace Endowment Fund

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UMS 10-11

Cover Photo: Mariachi Vargas

U M S Y ou t h E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M Teac h er R esource G uide 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán Friday, November 5, 2010, 11 AM – 12 NOON • HILL AUDITORIUM

MARIACHI Photo: Mariachi Vargas

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

Short on time?

If you only have 15 minutes to review this guide, just read the sections in black in the Table of Contents.

Those pages will provide the most important information about this performance.

Attending the YOUTH PERFORMANCE 6 Attending the Show 8 Map + Directions 9 Hill Auditorium 10 Being an Audience Member ABOUT MEXICO 12 Map + Basic Facts 13 Timeline

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UMS 10-11

INTRODUCTION TO MARIACHI 15 Mexico + Mariachi Culture 16 Instruments 17 Musical Forms 18 Visual + Performing Arts VARGAS MARIACHI DE TECALITLĂ N 21 Ensemble History 24 What Makes Mariachi Vargas Unique?

26 The Musicians 30 Special Guests 31 Repertoire

RESOURCES 33 National Standards 34 Curriculum Connections 37 Lesson Plans 38 Related Events 39 Other Resources 40 Bibliography ABOUT UMS 42 What is UMS? 43 Youth Education Program 45 Contacting UMS

AT T ENDING T HE Y O U T H P ER F O R M ANCE

MARIACHI Photo: Mariachi Vargas

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D E TA I L S

AT T E N D I N G T H E S H O W We want you to enjoy your time with UMS! PLEASE review the important information below about attending the Youth Performance:

TICKETS TICKETS We do not use paper tickets for

DOOR ENTRY A UMS Youth Performance

DURING THE PERFORMANCE At the

Youth Performances. We hold school reserva-

staff person will greet your group at your bus

start of the performance, the lights well

tions at the door and seat groups upon arrival.

as you unload and escort you on a sidewalk to

dim and an onstage UMS staff member will

your assigned entry doors of Hill Auditorium.

welcome you to the performance and provide important logistical information. If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints (for instance, about your comfort or the behavior

ARRIVAL TIME Please arrive at the Hill

USHER

of surrounding groups) please IMMEDIATELY report the situation to an usher or staff memer in the lobby.

Auditorium between 10:30-10:50pm to allow you time to get seated and comfortable before

SEATING & USHERS When you arrive at

the show starts.

the front doors, tell the Head Usher at the door the name of your school group and he/ she will have ushers escort you to your block of seats. All UMS Youth Performance ushers

PERFORMANCE LENGTH One hour with

wear large, black laminated badges with their

no intermission

names in white letters.

DROP OFF Have buses, vans, or cars drop off students on East Washington, Thayer or North University streets based on the drop off assignment information you receive in the mail.

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE When the

If there is no space in the drop off zone, circle

performance ends, remain seated. A UMS

the block until space becomes available. Cars may park at curbside metered spots or in the

BEFORE THE START Please allow the usher

staff member will come to the stage and

visitor parking lot behind the power Center.

to seat individuals in your group in the order

release each group individually based on the

Buses should wait/park at Briarwood Mall.

that they arrive in the theater. Once everyone

location of your seats.

is seated you may then rearrange yourselves and escort students to the bathrooms before the performance starts. PLEASE spread the adults throughout the group of students.

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UMS 10-11

BUS PICK UP When your group is released,

SENDING FEEDBACK We LOVE feedback

ACCESSIBILITY The following services are

please exit the performance hall through the

from students, so after the performance please

available to audience members:

same door you entered. A UMS Youth Perfor-

send us any letters, artwork, or academic

• Courtesy wheelchairs

mance staff member will be outside to direct

papers that your students create in response

• Hearing Impaired Support Systems

you to your bus.

to the performance: UMS Youth Education

AAPS

Program, 881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor,

PARKING There is handicapped parking

MI 48109-1011.

located in the South Thater parking structure.

All accessible parking spaces (13) are located on the first floor. To access the spaces, drivers need to enter the structure using the

AAPS EDUCATORS You will likely not get

south (left) entrance lane. If the north (right)

on the bus you arrived on; a UMS staff mem-

entrance lane, the driver must drive up the

ber or AAPS Transportation Staf person will put you on the first available bus.

ramp and come back down one level to get

NO FOOD No Food or drink is allowed in

to the parking spaces.

the theater.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY Hill Auditorium is wheelchair accessible with ramps found on the east and west entrances, off South Thayer Street and Ingalls Mall. The au-

LOST STUDENTS A small army of volunteers staff Youth Performances and will be

PATIENCE Thank you in adavance for your

ready to help or direct lost and wandering

patience; in 20 minutes we aim to get 3,500

students.

people from buses into seats and will work as efficiently as possible to make that happen.

ditorium has 27 accessible seating locations on its main floor and 8 on the mezzanine level. Hearing impairment systems are also available.

BATHROOMS ADA compliant toilets are available near the Hill Auditorium box office (west side facing South Thayer).

LOST ITEMS If someone in your group loses an item at the performance, contact the UMS

ENTRY There will be ushers stationed at

Youth Education Program (umsyouth@umich.

all entrances to assist with door opening.

edu) to attempt to help recover the item.

Wheelchair, companion, or other special seating

MARIACHI

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E . HURO N S T

S TAT E S T

RA C KHA M

P OWER

E. WAS HI NG T O N S T

PAL M E R DRI V E

ZONE C

WAS HT E NAW AV E NUE

F L E T CHE R S T

ZONE B

T HAY E R S T

E. LI B ER TY ST

PA R K

HIL L M AL L PARK I NG &

WI LLI A M ST

ZONE A N. UNI V E RS I T Y AV E NUE

CHURCH S T

MAP + DIRECTIONS This map, with driving directions to the Hill Auditorium, will be mailed to all attending educators three weeks before the performance.

MAP

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VENUE

HILL AUDITORIUM HILL AUDITORIUM was built by noted

In May, 2002, Hill Auditorium under-

and loading dock, and improvements to

architectural firm Kahn and Wilby.

went an 18-month, $38.6-million dollar

landscaping.

Completed in 1913, the renowned

renovation, updating the infrastructure

concert hall was inaugurated at the

and restoring much of the interior to its

Interior renovations included the

20th Ann Arbor May Festival, and has

original splendor. Exterior renovations

creation of additional restrooms, the

continued to be the site of thousands

included the reworking of brick paving

improvement of barrier-free circulation

of concerts, featuring everyone from

and stone retaining wall areas, restora-

by providing elevators and an addition

Leonard Bernstein and Cecilia Bartoli to

tion of the south entrance plaza, the

with ramps, the replacement of seating

Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett.

reworking of the west barrier-free ramp

to increase patron comfort, introduction of barrier-free seating and stage access, the replacement of theatrical performance and audio-visual systems, and the complete replacement of mechanical and electrical infrastructure systems for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Re-opened in January, 2004, Hill Auditorium now seats 3,538.

HILL AUDITORIUM 850 North University Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Emergency Contact Number: (734) 764-2538 (Call this number to reach a UMS staff person or audience member at the performance.)

Photo: Mike Savitski

MARIACHI

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D E TA I L S

BEING AN AUDIENCE MEMBER When preparing students for a

members from hearing. Often in large

on stage or whether they will miss

live performing arts event, it is impor-

rock concerts or in movie theaters,

something because of the sound and

tant to address the concept of “concert

the sound is turned up so loud that

movement you are making. Given this

etiquette.” Aside from helping prevent

you can talk and not disturb anyone’s

consideration, it’s often best to wait

disruptive behavior, a discussion of concert

listening experience. However, in other

until a pause in the performance (a

etiquette can also help students fully enjoy

concerts and live theater experiences,

pause of sound, movement, or energy)

the unique and exciting live performance

the sound is unamplified or just quite,

or to wait until the performer(s) bow to

experience. The following considerations

and the smallest noise could cause

the audience to share your enthusiasm

are listed to promote an ideal environment

your seat neighbor to miss an impor-

with them.

for all audience members.

tant line of dialogue or musical phrase.

Your Surroundings • Concert halls and performing arts venues are some of the most grand and beautiful buildings you might ever visit, so be sure to look around while you follow an usher to your group’s seats or once you are in your seat.

Movements or lights (from cell phones) may also distract your audience neighbors attention away from the stage, again, causing them to miss important action...and there’s no instant replay in live performance!

• At a performance, you are sharing the physical components of the performance space with other audience

• UMS Ushers will be stationed through-

members. So, consider whether you

out the building and are identifiable

are sharing the arm rest and the leg

by their big black and white badges.

room in such a way that both you and

They are there to help you be as

your seat neighbors are comfortable.

comfortable as possible and if you have a question (about the perfor-

• As an audience member, you are

mance, about where to go, or about

also part of the performance. Any

what something is), please ask them,

enthusiasm you might have for the

and don’t feel shy, embarrassed, or

performance may make the perform-

hesitant in doing so.

ers perform better. So, if you like what you are seeing make sure they know it!

Sharing the Performance Hall

Maybe clap, hoot and holler, or stand

with Other Audience Members

up and cheer. However, when express-

• Consider whether any talking you do during the performance will prevent your seat neighbors or other audience

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UMS 10-11

• Out of respect for the performer(s), if you do not like some part of the performance, please do not boo or shout anything derogatory. Remember, a lot of hard work went in to creating the performance you are watching and it takes great courage for the performer to share his or her art with you.

Share your Experience with Others • An important part of any performing arts experience is sharing it with others.

This can include whispering to your seat neighbor during the performance, talking to your friends about what you liked and didn’t like on the bus back to school, or telling your family about the performance when you get home.

More Information • For more specific details about coming

ing your own personal enjoyment of

to the concert (start time, bathroom

the performance, consider whether

locations, length), see pages 6-8 of this

your fellow audience members will be

guide.

able to see or hear what’s happening

A B O U T M E X IC O

MARIACHI Photo: Mariachi Vargas

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MEXICO

M ap + B asic Facts

Population (as of July 2007): 761,606 Geography: Mexico is bordered by the

are home to thousands of tropical plant species and elusive animals, like jaguars

*Pronunciation Guide

and quetzal (ket-SAL) birds.

Spanish language words ap-

US to the north and Guatemala and Be-

pear throughout this guide and

lize to the south. Its Yucatán Peninsula is

Capital: Mexico City

below are phonetic spellings to

a particularly notable geographic feature

Mexico City is the oldest continuously in-

help you correctly pronounce

as it juts into the Gulf of Mexico at the

habited city in the Western Hemisphere.

some of the words most fre-

country’s southeastern tip. This area of

quently used in this guide:

land was also once home to the ancient

Climate: Tropical to Desert

Mayan civilization. Mexico’s positioning

As a land of extremes, Mexico’s climate

almost midway between the equator

differs significantly among regions: arid

and Arctic Circle make it an attractive

deserts rest in the north, humid and

refuge for animals fleeing the frigid cold

dense rain forests are in the south and

Jalisco..........Ha-LEE-skoh

to the north and sweltering heat to the

east, and cold high mountains are at the

vihuela.........vee-WHAY-lah

south. The lands of few nations are able

country’s center.

to support as many diverse animal and

Mariachi.......Mah-ree-AH-chee Tecalitlán.....Teh-cah-leet-LAHN

guitarrón......ghee-tahr-ROHN

plant species as that of Mexico, and its

Languages: Spanish*, Mayan, Nahuatl

huapango.....whah-PAHN-go

rain forests and coastal wetlands alone

and others

son...............sohn

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UMS 10-11

MEXICO

T imeline The following timeline highlights a few notable developments and landmark events that occurred in Mexico and in the Central American region.

1 2 0 0 B CE

1519—1521

The Olmec people emerge as Mexico’s

Spanish forces led by Hernando Cortés

first complex society. They are followed

arrive and conquer Mexico.

by the Maya, Toltec, and Aztec peoples.

After Hernando Cortés conquers the

3 0 0 — 9 0 0 CE Classical Period for the Ancient Mayan, Zapotecan, and Teotihuacán people.

Aztec Empire in 1521, Catholic mission-

Christopher Columbus lands on what is now known as the Dominican Republic.

1517: The first Spanish expedition explores Mexico. They seize the Aztec capital.

1910: Mexican citizens revolt, beginning the Mexican Revolution 1917: A new constitution is adopted

convert the indigenous Mexican peoples to Catholicism.

1968 Mexico City hosts the first Olympic

1810—1910 1492

The Mexican Revolution

aries begin to appear. Their goal is to

Temples are built at the Chichén Itzá and Uxmal.

1910—1917

Games ever held in Latin America

Mexican Independence Period

2000

1821: Mexico wins independence from Spain 1848: The US gains Mexican territory after winning the Mexican-American War, including what is now Nevada, Utah, and

Vicente Fox is sworn in as the first president elected who did not belong to the ruling party.

parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Colorado 1862: Mexico wins the Battle of Puebla against French invaders. Cinco de Mayo is the holiday that honors this event.

MARIACHI

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IN T R O D U C T I O N T O M ARIACHI

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GRUPO / TAYLOR

Photo: Mariachi Vargas

ABOUT

M exico + M ariachi C ulture The mariachi is well known as a symbol of Mexican culture. Plaster of Paris statuettes depicting caricatures of mariachis are popular in marketplaces. Mariachi music itself is used to market an unending number of products on the radio and television; Mexican films, radio, and television shows take mariachi sounds and images far beyond the borders of Mexico. Since the early twentieth century, government officials have showcased mariachi music to represent a sense of Mexican national and regional culture.1

Mariachi music has origins deep in Mexi-

tion created a new sense of nationalism,

can history. The sound of its string instru-

mariachi music allowed these migrants

ments and its oldest rhythms are rooted

to maintain connections with their rural,

in Mexico’s colonial times (1519-1810),

regional identities.

Mariachi Music around the World:

when people from Spain and African slaves and their descendants mingled

With the continued evolution of urban

with hundreds of American Indian

society came a similar evolution of the

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIv

cultures. This created a new Mexican

mariachi genre and its players, and by the

GGEvjjZ4&feature=player_embed-

culture marked by many regions, each

mid-20 century, mariachi was regarded

ded#!

with its own signature musical tradition.

as one of Mexico’s more refined ensem-

The music that was called “mariachi”

bles and included the guitarrón, vihuela,

Mariachi music is no longer an art

emerged from the ranches and small

violin, and trumpet, all of which made up

form existing exclusively within

towns of western Mexico as early as the

the core of the group.

Mexico, and some connoisseurs

th

4

believe that the most exciting

1850s, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Colima, and Aguas-

Mariachi ensembles traditionally perform

growth and development of the

calientes.2

for a number of different occasions:

genre is happening in the US.

• Baptisms

Mariachi music also exists in the

During the rampant urbanization of the

• Birthdays

eastern hemisphere. This YouTube

early 1900s, rural migrants moved from

• Weddings

video features the Japanese en-

ranches of the countryside to city centers,

• Funerals

semble Mariachi Samurai de Japón

bringing along not only clothes and

• Conventions

performing “Serenata Huasteca.”

labor skills, but also their musical taste

• Store Openings

The group also performs at a

for mariachi music. As their urban lives

• Company Parties

Mexican restaurant in Japan with

developed, as Mexico City grew to the

• Civic Celebrations

ballet folkloric dancers.

most populous metropolitan area in the

• Political Campaigns

3

world, and even as the Mexican Revolu-

1 2 3 4

Sheehy. 4. http://www.folkways.si.edu/explore_folkways/mariachi.aspx Sheehy, 18.

Rebeca Mauleon. “Mexican Regional Music.” http://worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com/view/page. basic/genre/content.genre/mexican_regional_756

MARIACHI

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ABOUT

I nstruments Part of what makes the sound of mariachi music distinct is the combination of instruments used in the ensemble, with each instrument having a different role that contributes to the group sound.

MELODIC INSTRUMENTS

RHYTHMIC INSTRUMENTS

BASS INSTRUMENTS

The violin and trumpet are the melodic

The guitar and vihuela add the rhyth-

The guitarr贸n and harp are the bass in-

instruments in a mariachi ensemble.

mic strumming of chords to the sound

struments used in mariachi. A guitarr贸n

Usually one violin will play a single

of mariachi. A vihuela is a five-stringed

is essentially a large version of a vihuela

melody line while a second violin plays

instrument that looks similar to a small

with a much deeper sound, and it also

another melody to create harmony. Two

guitar with a swollen, v-shaped back. It

originates from Jalisco. Many mariachi

trumpets will often do the same, harmo-

is an instrument unique to the Mexican

groups no longer use harp because of its

nizing with each other and strengthen-

state of Jalisco.

harmonic limitations and instead have

ing the violin melody. The ensemble also

replaced it with the more convenient

typically includes vocalists, who use their

guitarr贸n, but Mariachi Vargas de Teca-

voice as their instrument.

litl谩n continues to use it because of its traditional significance.

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ABOUT

MUSICAL FORMS Mariachis play many different types of songs of varying musical form—a testament to their versatility.

These are just a few examples of some core forms.

Rancheras

Waltzes

Rancheras can have various time signa-

The waltz is a type of dance music with

tures, but are always more about the solo

the rhythm “ONE- two-three” originating

singer and have very simple accompani-

from Europe. Mariachis tend to perform

Here are some examples of ma-

ment. Rancheras were sung by actors in

waltzes on more formal occasions, such

riachi songs, in case you want to

early Mexican movies, which helped to

as wedding ceremonies.

further explore the genre’s most

popularize mariachi.

Well-Known Songs

recognizable tunes.

Boleros

Sones

A bolero is a type of dance music in a

The son is the most important musical

slow tempo with duple meter of Cuban

form in the history of the mariachi. The

origin.

• La Marcha de Zacatecas • El Jarabe Tapatio • El Son de La Negra

term can refer to both regional styles of mestizo music or to the melodies of Na-

Huapangos

• El Mariachi Loco

tive American cultural groups.

One of the many musical styles that came

• Malagueña

to Mexico City during the migration of Polkas

regional peoples in the 1940’s and 50’s,

Mexican polka is basically the same as

huapangos have three defining traits: dis-

German polka, with its familiar “boom-

tinctive rhythm, violin playing as the lead

chick-boom-chick” accompaniment.

instrument, and the use of vocal falsetto.

• Cielito Lindo

Polka was incorporated into Mexican music due to the large German community living in North-Eastern Mexico. Most Mexican polkas are strictly instrumental.

MARIACHI

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CONNECTIONS

VISUAL + PERFORMING ARTS The following works of art are part of the University of Michigan Museum of Art collection.

Look at the images on pages 18 and 19 and consider the following: How do these two images reflect your perception of Mexican culture?

If you wrote or could pick a piece of music to represent each of these images, what kind of music would it be? Why? How are these two images similar?

How are they different?

How do these two images physically represent music?

What are three words you would use to describe each image? How do these three words relate to what you know about Mexican culture?

How might each piece relate to the work of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlรกn?

What material (mode) are these images made out of? How does that affect how they appear and

what they represent?

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UMS 10-11

Mexican, Monte Alban III (Zapotec) Seated figure Ca. 800 CE Ceramic Museum purchase made possible by a gift from Helmut Stern, 1983/1.356

JosĂŠ Guadalupe Posada (Mexican, 1851-1913) Calavera Maderista 1944 etching on zinc Museum purchase, 1949/1.180

MARIACHI

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M ARIACHI VARGAS DE T ECALI T LÁN

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UMS 10-11

Photo: Mariachi Vargas

ABOUT

E nsemble H istory Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán has been performing for five generations.

Below is a detailed history of their musical development.

1st Generation: 1897-1930

his compatriots the Quintero brothers,

Mariachi Vargas was born in a small city

Rafael and Jeronimo, one on the violin

In 1944, Ruben Fuentes, a classical

called Tecalitlán, located south of Jalisco.

and the other on guitar. Later he added

violinist with no background in mariachi

Founded by Don Gaspar Vargas in 1897,

another violin, Santiago Torres, and

music, was asked by Silvestre to join the

Mariachi Vargas’s ensemble originally

switched Trinidad Olvera from the violin

group, first as a violinist, then later as a

consisted of the guitarra de golpe (or

to the guitarrón.

music arranger. Silvestre and Ruben de-

mariachera) played by Don Gaspar, the

cided to reorganize and bring the group

wooden harp played by Manuel Men-

It was Silvestre who possessed the dream

back to life by changing their image and

doza, and two violins played by Lino

that Mariachi Vargas would one day

sound: they demanded better presenta-

Quintero and Refugio Hernandez. This

be the greatest mariachi ensemble in

tion, understanding of the beat, and

combination of instruments established

Mexico, and he was relentless in his pur-

preparation to help overcome the unruly

the “Sonido Tecalitlán,” which was

suit of fulfilling that dream. In the early

perception of the mariachis held by the

distinct from the “Sonido Cocula” in that

1930s the ensemble was already unique

public in those days.

the Mariachi from Cocula utilized the

and distinguished amongst their peer

guitarrón and the vihuela in place of the

ensembles—the members all dressed in

3rd Generation: 1950-1993

harp and the guitarra de golpe.

charro suits, they showed up on time for

In the 3rd generation of Mariachi Vargas,

performances, and they were sober. In

Ruben Fuentes took the group in a new

Around 1913 Don Gaspar attempted to

1933 they won first place in a Mariachi

direction that revolutionized the previous-

incorporate one trumpet into the group,

contest celebrated in Guadalajara. They

ly primitive and unrefined mariachi style.

but it was not well-received: audiences

won another first place prize in a Mexico

Through his leadership, Mariachi Vargas

considered its high-pitched sound annoy-

City contest in 1934. President Lazaro

de Tecalitlán cultivated a sound that

ing. Instead, the trumpet was replaced

Cardenas, who enjoyed the music of

broke new ground without abandon-

by another violin played by Silvestre

Mariachi Vargas, subsequently had the

ing its roots and tradition. For instance,

Vargas, son of Don Gaspar Vargas, bring-

group hired as the official mariachi of the

Huapangos and sones (two very distinc-

ing the Mariachi Vargas to five members

Mexico City Police Department, and the

tive styles of the mariachi music) were

by 1921.

ensemble moved to Mexico City where

no longer interpreted in different ways.

they remained for 20 years.

The Mariachi Vargas recorded sones with arrangements and adaptations by Ruben

2nd Generation: 1931-1949

In 1937, the Mariachi Vargas appeared

Fuentes. Other mariachi groups then fol-

The second generation of Mariachi

in the film “Asi es mi Tierra,” the first

lowed the example of Mariachi Vargas in

Vargas came about when Don Gaspar

of their more than 200 motion pictures.

this style of composition.

Vargas turned the leadership of the en-

That same year, they recorded their first

semble over to his son, Silvestre. As the

record and signed an exclusive contract

The traditional songs and the original

new leader, Silvestre decided to reorga-

with RCA. In 1941, Miguel Martinez

sound of the mariachi began to change

nize the group, and his first step was to

became the first trumpet player for Ma-

in the 1950’s. It was during the record-

enlarge it to eight musicians. He invited

riachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.

ings of the “Golden Age of the Huapan-

MARIACHI

21

gos” that the compositions, arrange-

In 1983, the Mariachi Vargas appeared

in 1997. The purpose of this series of al-

ments, and musical direction of Ruben

for the first time at the Tucson Interna-

bums is to release a true anthology of the

Fuentes, paired with the unequaled

tional Mariachi Conference. In 1986,

Mexican folklore music, the “Mariachi”,

voice of Miguel Aceves Mejía initiated

Linda Ronstad appeared with the Maria-

the music that makes us remember our

a musical revolution that would forever

chi Vargas at that same conference and

roots, and feel proud of our nationality in

change the sound and instrumentation

sang in Spanish for the first time. In 1987

and out of our country.

of the mariachi. In 1955, Ruben Fuentes

she released her “Canciones de mi Pa-

stopped performing in the group, but

dre” album (featuring Mariachi Vargas),

to this day he maintains positions as

for which she won a Grammy award.

5th Generation: 2003-Present

producer, musical arranger, and musical

She also went on a national tour with

Starting from 2003, Mariachi Vargas de

director. He has been assisted throughout

the group, giving greater exposure to

Tecalitlán is now in its fifth generation.

this time by Jesús Rodriguez de Hijar and

mariachi music than ever before. In 1989,

Their latest recordings are, “5ta Gener-

has been under the administration and

the Mariachi Vargas released their “En

ación”, “Sinfónico I”, “Sinfónico II”, and

leadership of Silvestre Vargas.

Concierto” CD, which featured innova-

“Penas, Desengaños... Y Amores”.

tive mariachi renditions of classical music.

In 1966 Ruben Fuentes wrote “La

Today the group is composed of two

Bakina,” a song that was recognized as

As artistic director of the RCA, Ruben

harps, one vihuela, one guitar, one gui-

the epitome of the mariachi sound and

Fuentes coined the title of “The Best Ma-

tarron, two trumpets and six violins. With

the Revolutionary New Harmony. In

riachi in the World” for Mariachi Vargas.

the added instruments, a new sound has

both Mexico and in foreign countries,

Under this title they produced a series

emerged that crosses all international

sones and huapangos acquired new di-

of solo recordings, adding more than 50

borders. The music they play now ranges

rections. These new levels of traditional

recordings to their repertoire.

from the traditional sones to classical

Mexican music created an expression

works, as well as potpourris that con-

of nationalism, youth, modernity, and progressiveness.

tinue to delight audiences everywhere.

4th Generation: 1994-2002 In their album “La fiesta del Mariachi”,

In the 100 years since its foundation,

In 1975, José “Pepe” Martínez, Sr. be-

the fourth generation of Mariachi Vargas

the group has gone through some major

came the musical director of Mariachi

de Tecalitlán made tribute to José “Pepe”

changes. While there has been some

Vargas. He wrote many arrangements

Martínez, who, besides his magnificent

departure from the tradition during the

including “Violin Huapango,” which

musical arrangements and direction of

time the group was formed, it has main-

individually showcases the different

the group, inspired many as a composer.

tained its roots through the playing of

instruments and members in the group.

traditional Mexican sones.

In the 1970’s, interest in mariachi music

Their recordings on Polygram with this

was waning, but all of that changed

generation include, “El Mariachi Vargas”,

In 1997, “Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán”

when San Antonio, Texas held its first

“En Concierto”, “Los sones Reyes”, “La

celebrated its first one hundred years

international mariachi conference. A

fiesta del Mariachi” and “50 anniversary

of existence. “The Best Mariachi in the

new movement began to grow, and

of Ruben Fuentes”. Ruben Fuentes’s ar-

World” is now over one hundred years

with that revival, many other confer-

rangements and music with the Mariachi

old, showing the world their emotions

ences began to develop. Each confer-

Vargas de Tecalitlán are the first five

through their musical art.

ence wanted to have the Mariachi

recordings for the one-hundredth an-

Vargas as its headline performer.

niversary of the foundation of “Vargas”

22

UMS 10-11

MARIACHI Photo: Mariachi Vargas

23

ABOUT

W hat M akes M ariachi Vargas U nique ?

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán

Together Fuentes and Martinez have writ-

presence, formal mariachi attire, majestic

represents the history of the mariachi

ten numerous songs and arrangements

voices and musicianship give live audienc-

genre with their traditional, consistent,

that have resulted in the sound mariachi

es an experience beyond the imagination.

and exceptional performance style that

music is known for today.

dates back to 1897. They have per-

The internationally acclaimed Mariachi

formed for five generations and have

Mariachi Vargas combines traditional

Vargas de Tecalitlán is based out of

recorded over 100 CDs with numerous

huapangos, boleros, rancheras and sones

Mexico City and has performed through-

original songs and arrangements that

with operatic and symphonic influences.

out the U.S. and Latin America and, most

set the standard for the mariachi music

The 13 members of the group make up

recently, in Spain and the Czech Republic.

industry. Much of this is due to the

the finest mariachi musicians and vocal-

Their music continues to shape cultures,

phenomenal talents of Maestro Ruben

ists in all of Latin America. The combina-

influence people, attract multiple genera-

Fuentes, the group’s leader since the

tion of 6 violinists, 3 trumpets, 1 vihuela,

tions, and entertain audiences through-

1950s, and José “Pepe” Martínez, Sr.,

1 guitar, 1 guitarrón and 1 harp make up

out the world.

musical director for Mariachi Vargas.

a sound that is unique, versatile, classical, and traditional. Their elegant stage

24

UMS 10-11

MARIACHI Photo: Mariachi Vargas

25

PEOPLE

M ariachi Vargas de T ecalitl á n RubÉn Fuentes El Maestro, Director, Composer, Producer, Arranger Member since 1944 Maestro Rubén Fuentes, a classically trained musician, has served as director, composer, producer and arranger with Mariachi Vargas. He has been the musical genius behind Mariachi Vargas for 60 extraordinary years. His leadership, talent, vision and musical direction has been the mastermind in producing the world’s preeminent mariachi ensemble.

Under the direction of El Maestro Rubén Fuentes and the group’s musical director, Jose “Pepe” Martinez, Mariachi Vargas has earned the title of “El mejor mariachi del mundo,” or “The World’s Best Mariachi,” through their musical innovations and global presence. Mariachi Vargas sets the musical standard for all mariachis.

JosÉ “Pepe” Martinez, Sr. Violinist, Vocalist Member since 1975 Q: What is the best advice you can give to a student?

A: The best advice I could give anyone is to love music and love people.

Federico “Fede” Torres Trumpet Member since 1966 Q: What is the most difficult part of your job?

A: I love what I do but I would have to say that the most difficult part of my job is traveling from one city to the next in short time frames and being away from my family.

26

UMS 10-11

Victor “El Pato” Cardenas Vihuela Member since 1960 Q: What is the best advice you can give to a student?

A: My advice to anyone who wants to be a serious musician is to study your instrument and practice on a consistent basis.

Daniel “Dany” Martinez Violinist/Vocalist Member since 1985 Q: Who has been the most important person in your life who has inspired you?

A: My inspiration comes from my family. My wife and children inspire me to do my very best as do the fans of Mariachi Vargas.

Enrique “La Rata” de Santiago Guitarrón Member since 1989 Q: What is your favorite phrase?

A: You get nothing if you give nothing.

Gustavo “Guss” Alvarado Trumpet Member since 1986 Q: Who has been the most important person in your life who has inspired you?

A: The person who inspired me most was my father Basilio Alvarado. He was a musician himself and passed down the tradition of mariachi music to me.

MARIACHI

27

Victor “El Pato” Cardenas Vihuela Member since 1960 Q: What is the best advice you can give to a student?

A: My advice to anyone who wants to be a serious musician is to study your instrument and practice on a consistent basis.

Jose “Pepillo” Martinez Perez, Jr. Violinist/Vocalist Member Since 1993 Q: Who has inspired you?

A: I would have to say that my father José “Pepe” Martinez, Sr. the current musical director of Mariachi Vargas and my grandfathers Felipe and Don Blas who were both members of Mariachi Vargas. They’re my greatest inspiration.

Julio Martinez Harpist Member since 1995 Q: How many hours a day did you practice growing up? Now, how many hours a day do you practice?

A: When I was growing up and studying the harp I would practice six hours a day every day. Now I practice approximately two hours a day.

Steeven “Ruso” Sandoval Violinist/Vocalist Max Ernst (German, 1891-1976) Dancers (Danseuses)

Member since 1998 Q: What is the best advice you can give a mariachi student?

1950

A: The best advice I can give to a student is to listen to mariachi music. Strive 100% to study and

Lithograph

practice and be the best you can possibly be.

Museum Purchase made possible by the Friends of the Museum of Art, 1987/1.264

28

UMS 10-11

Alberto “Beto” Alfaro Violinist/Vocalist Member since 2000 Q: At what age did you begin to learn music?

A: Well, I began when I was 5 years old and started working as a mariachi at the age of 12.

Juan “Arturo” Pedro Vargas Guitarist/Vocalist Member since 2002 Q: What is your favorite phrase?

A: Success is always better with the support of your family and friends.

Andrés “Andy” Gonázlez Violinist/Vocalist Member since 2007 Q: Who has inspired you?

A: My father Andres Gonzalez has always been my inspiration. I grew up watching him play and studied how he interpreted the music. He taught me how to play and he also showed me how to appreciate mariachi music.

NEW TO THE ENSEMBLE

!

NEW

Fernando Velazquez “Fernando Velazquez Joins Mariachi Vargas” Participants of the 15th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza had a chance to extend a warm welcome to Mariachi Vargas’ newest member and trumpet player Fernando Velazquez. Fernando has performed with Mariachi Vargas for more than a year and will visit San Antonio for the first time in November. He joins Federico Torres and Gustavo Alvarado as Mariachi Vargas’ third trumpet player. Fernando played trumpet for Mariachi Sol de Mexico and Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano prior to joining Mariachi Vargas. He’s established a reputation as being one of the greatest trumpet players of mariachi music today. —from the MariachiMusic.com MARIACHI

29

PEOPLE

S pecial G uests “I enjoy looking into the audience and making people happy. If I see someone smiling, or crying, I know I have touched their heart through my music.” –Sebastien De La Cruz

Two south Texas competition-win-

Sebastien placed 3rd in the 2009 San An-

ning mariachi youth vocalists have been

tonio Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. He

invited to be part of a 3-day residency

continued to study his music and perfect

program in south eastern Michigan lead-

his performance with the traditional

ing up to the UMS Youth Performance

song “El Pastor.” In Austin (June 2010),

by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán (Sebas-

Sebastien was selected by members of

tien De La Cruz, a student at Paschall

Mariachi Vargas as the best mariachi vo-

Elementary in San Antonio, and Karenn

calist. It was then that he won the honor

Lazo, a student at Roma High School in

of opening for Mariachi Vargas in concert

Roma). Sebastien will have a featured

at the Long Center, where he received

solo in the concert, singing the song “El

the audience’s approval with roaring ap-

Pastor,” and what follows is a bit more

plause. Since then, Sebastien has been

info about him.

featured in newspaper articles published in the Austin American Statesman and

Sebastien De La Cruz is an eight-year-

The San Antonio Express-News’s Conex-

old boy with a strong voice, known

ion, and has conducted several television

around Texas as “El Charro de Oro”

interviews in Austin and San Antonio.

(the golden mariachi). In his brief singing career Sebastien has been

Sebastien is a third grade student at Pas-

featured in the media, has opened

chall Elementary, where the school has

for the internationally acclaimed

an entire display featuring his trophies,

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and

awards, photographs and recognitions.

knows exactly what he wants out of

He’s a humble young man, but enjoys the

life—to make people happy through

attention and feels like a superhero when

music. At the age of six he told his

he performs. In his spare time, Sebas-

parents he wanted to sing mariachi

tien enjoys just being a regular kid and

music, and with much hard work

plays basketball, rides his skateboard,

and determination, he began learn-

and practices the guitar. His room is filled

ing some of the songs and singing at

with photos of Michael Jackson, Marilyn

local community events. In just two

Monroe, and Mariachi Vargas, entertain-

years, Sebastien has proven himself

ment figures who have made people

to be among the best young mariachi

happy through their music.

vocalists in the US.

30

UMS 10-11

REPERTOIRE

E L PA S T O R While Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán will announce the repertoire from stage, “El Pastor” is one of the songs that they will definitely sing.

El Pastor

The Shepherd

“El Pastor” tells the story of a young

Va el pastor con su rebano al despuntar la manana bajando por el sendero de la sierra a la pradera

As dawn breaks, the shepherd and his flock travel the path from the mountain to the prairie.

to his flock. While there, he shares his

Va musitando sus quejas con su flautin de carrizo seguido por sus ovejas como si fuera un hechizo

From his flute come whispered woes.

He is followed by his flock as though under a spell.

El flautin del pastor al arrear, canta asi…

As he herds his flock, the shepherd’s flute can be heard like this...

shepherd who spends his days tending joys and sorrows. The singer’s falsetto represents the simple reed flute used by the shepherd to call his flock. The piece is a huapango written in 1928

El pastor ya va de vuelta pues el sol se esta ocultando va subiendo por la cuesta para guardar su rebano

As the sun sets, the shepherd returns going uphill to tend to his flock.

Con su flautin va llamando una a una a sus ovejas y les va comunicando sus goces y sus tristezas

With his flute, the shepherd calls his sheep one by one, and so conveys his joys and sorrows.

by Miguel Castilla Diaz and his brother, José Castilla Diaz, better known as Los Cuates Castilla. It was part of a group of songs written in an emerging musical style that came to be known as the “canción Huasteca” characterized by the use of sporadic falsettos sustained over several measures. Today, the brothers Castilla are recognized as the pioneers of the falsetto in Mexico. “El Pastor” was first popularized by Miguel Aceves Mejía, the King of the Falsetto (“El Rey del Falsete”), and thereafter by the young Spanish movie star, Joselito, in the movie El Caballo Blanco in 1962. Today, the song has become a beloved standard in the repertoire of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán as interpreted by Arturo Vargas, whom many regard as the modern suc-

El flautin del pastor Al arrear, canta asi...

As he herds his flock, the shepherd’s flute can be heard like this...

cessor to Miguel Aceves Mejía.

–Nyria Melchor

W at c h a n d L i s t e n Here are links to online to three different versions of “El Pastor” •

www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9WCTKZkPHo

•

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtKFPETF7DI&feature=related

•

www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_fhEeqyVPg&feature=related MARIACHI

31

RES O U RCES

32

UMS 10-11

Photo: Mariachi Vargas

ENGAGE

N ational S tandards The following are national standards addressed through this Youth Performance and through the ideas in the Curriculum Connections.

Social Sciences Civics K-4

U.S. History 5-12

Music 5-8

NSS-USH.5-12.10 Contemporary United

NA-M.5-8.1 Singing, Alone and With

States

Others, a Varied Repertoire of Music NA-M.5-8.6 Listening To, Analyzing, and

NSS-C.K-4.4 Other Nations and World Affairs

Geography K-12

Describing Music

NSS-G.K-12.1 The World in Spatial terms

NA-M.5-8.8 Understanding Relation-

Civics 5-8

NSS-G.K-12.2 Places and Regions

ships Between Music, the Other Arts, and

NSS-C.5-8.4 Other Nations and World

NSS-G.K-12.3 Physical Systems

Disciplines Outside the Arts

Affairs

NSS-G.K-12.5 Environment and Society

Economics K-4

Science

Visual Arts K-4 NA-VA.K-4.1 Understanding and Applying Mudia, Techniques, and Processes

NSS-EC.K-4.1 Productive Resources NSS-EC.K-4.5 Voluntary Exchange

Science K-4

NA-VA.K-4.4 Understanding the Visual

NSS-EC.K-4.7 Markets and Market Prices

NS,K-4.3 Life Science

Arts in Relation to History and Cultures

NSS-EC.K-4.11 Money

NS.K-4.6 Science in Personal and Social

NA-VA.K-4.6 Making Connections

Perspectives

Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines

NSS-EC.5-8.1 Productive Resources

Science 5-8

Visual Arts 5-8

NSS-EC.5-8.5 Voluntary Exchange

NS.5-8.3 Life Science

NA-VA.5-8.1 Understanding and Apply-

NSS-EC.5-8.7 Markets and Market Prices

NS.5-8.6 Science in Personal and Skocial

ing Media, Techniques, and Processes

NSS-EC.5-8.11 Money

Perspectives

NA-VA.5-8.4 Understanding the Visual

Economics 5-8

Arts in Relation to History and Cultures

U.S. History K-4

Performing Arts

NA-VA.5-8.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines

NSS-USH.K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities Now

Music K-4

and Long Ago

NA-M.K-4.1 Singing, Alone and With

NSS-USH.K-4.3 History of the United

Others, a Varied Repertoire of Music

States:Democratic Principles and Values

NA-M.K-4.6 Listening To, Analyzing, and

Technology K-12

and the People from Many Cultures who

Describing Music

NT.K-12.1 Basic Operations and Concepts

Contributed to its Cultural, Economic and

NA-M.K-4.8 Understanding Relation-

NT.K-12.4 Technology Communications

Political Heritage

ships Between Music, the Other Arts, and

Tools

Applied Arts

Disciplines Outside the Arts

MARIACHI

33

ENGAGE

C urriculum C onnections The UMS Youth Performance by the Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán gives students the chance to explore the geography, music, communities and cultures of North America. To help connect these performances to classroom curriculum, pick one of these concepts and activities or create an entire interdisciplinary curriculum with these as a base.

CONNECTIONS

BY GRADE

Explore the geography of North America.

culture in Michigan. Are any of the stu-

What is a map? What does it show?

dents Mexican? Are there many Mexicans

What is geography? How would you

in the United States? Are they citizens?

Kindergarten, First Grade,

get to Mexico from your home? Which

How do you become a citizen? Also

states would you have to cross? How do

discuss immigration. When people emi-

people use the environment? Would you

grate from another country to the United

have to cross any water? Teach students

States they bring their history, their cul-

how to figure mileage. How far would it

ture, their language and their traditions

be? Which states border Mexico? What is

with them. Take a look at “American

the capital of Mexico? What is our capi-

“culture.” What things do we think of

tal city? How far is it from our capital

as typically American? What things are

city to the capital city of Mexico? Which

now an accepted part of our culture that

states would you have to cross to get

originally came from immigrants?

Second Grade Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers can weave the introduction to this performance into their study of family and community. Have students define who is a family. Broaden their concept of family and community by letting them discover the families and communities of Mexico. How do people live around the world? How are families different? How are they the same? What do families in the United States eat? What do they do for recreation? Look at their daily life, schools, language, holidays, customs, music and art. Compare this with the life, traditions and culture of Mexican

there? The Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán band is from the state of Jalisco. Where

Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade

is that? How far is it from Mexico City?

Fourth and fifth grades study the regions

What are the other states in Mexico?

of the United States. Look at the geog-

Ask students how many states in this

raphy of the U.S., study a map of the

country they can name.

country, and identify natural landmarks.

What is our country’s capital? How does

families.

Third Grade

the geography compare to Mexico? Ask

Third graders study within and beyond

students how they think Mexico looks.

A book you could include is In My Family/

Michigan. Discuss communities in Michi-

Show them pictures of Mexico. Google

gan, in the U.S., and abroad. What is the

photos of Mexico and show them to

geography of Michigan? Use of a map

students either from the computer or

of Michigan to look at the landforms.

printed, or use pictures from magazine

Discuss the Native cultures of Michigan

or texts. A unit on regions, land forms

and compare Native American cultures to

and ecosystems would fit here. Students

Mexican culture. Tie in a unit on Mexico

can define, describe and identify them.

into their study of Michigan, govern-

Compare the regions and land forms of

ment, regions, Native Americans and

Mexico with those of Michigan and the

The United States. Discuss the Mexican

United States.

En Mi Familia, by Carmen Lomas Garza.

There are also some wonderful websites that connect students in classrooms in the United States with students in classrooms in other countries. Use one of these to email students in a Mexican classroom. Expand on this depending on time and interest.

34

UMS 10-11

Fifth grade also focuses on America’s

discuss times when there is a conflict be-

ways to get there. Display the brochures

past. How has the political and physi-

tween preserving the environment and

on Mexican night.

cal geography of the U.S. changed over

the wildlife that inhabits it and the eco-

time? Discuss Native American land, cul-

nomic needs of the population. There

Teach students a Mariachi song and sing

tures, and regions. In addition, a look at

are several projects you could participate

it in Spanish.

the Monarch butterfly migration would

in that revolve around the migration of

be fun for all grades and would give

the Monarchs. Google “Journey North,

Mexico: Art

teachers a chance to discuss the many

Symbolic Migration.”

The art teacher may want to show some

ways Mexico and the United States are connected.

CONNECTIONS BY SUBJECT AREA AND IDEA

examples of Mexican arts and crafts, Mexico: Music

discuss where they are made and how

Music teachers might ask students what

they help the people make a living. It

kind of music they like. Play some pop,

would be fun to have the students do

jazz, country, rock. Ask students to sug-

some weaving like Abuela did in the

gest words that describe the music. Play

story. This would also be a perfect time

Mexico: Geography and Environment

some Mariachi music. (Google Mariachi

for your students to visit the Stearns Col-

Ask students how they think Mexico

music and/or Mariachi Vargas De Tecalit-

lection of Instruments at the University of

looks. Show them pictures of Mexico.

lán to hear some of this music. Also, go

Michigan. When you look at the displays

Google photos of Mexico and show them

to www.mariachimusic.com/ and Puro

of instruments you can clearly see that

to students either from the computer or

Mariachi, the first and largest Mariachi

many instruments are also works of art.

printed, or use pictures from magazine

web-site. ) Ask students to suggest words

or texts. A unit on regions, land forms

that describe that music. Compare

Mexico: U.S. Relations

and ecosystems would fit here. Students

Mariachi music to the music students are

Students studying Michigan, the United

can define, describe and identify them.

used to hearing. There is a new book out

States, government and populations can

Compare the regions and land forms

called The Best Mariachi in the World by

study our federal and local governments

of Mexico with those of Michigan and

J.D. Smith. It is for grades K-3.

and do some simple comparisons with

the United States. There are two lovely

those of Mexico. Students like knowing

picture books called Water Dance and

Discuss the instrumentation of a Mariachi

about real issues and this would be a

Mountain Dance, both by Thomas Locker,

band. Are the same instruments used in

good time, when talking about govern-

which are free verse narratives that de-

a rock band? (For kindergarten and first

ments, to introduce the topic of immigra-

scribe the water cycle and the making of

grade, music teachers might introduce

tion and immigrants, legal and illegal.

mountains. Beautiful art work illustrates

the concept of instrument families. Why

Ask students if they know any Mexicans.

the text. Students could create their own

do certain instruments belong together?

Are any of the students Mexican? Are

free verse, descriptive definition of one

Even though they may look different,

there many Mexicans in the United

of the regions they study or one of the

something connects them and makes

States? Are they citizens? How do you

land forms in a region they studied. This

them part of the same family. What

become a citizen? Why would Mexicans

would be the time to define and practice

connects them? Compare instrument

want to come from Mexico and become

using descriptive language.

families with human families.)

a citizen of our country? Can they live

Along with the study of regions, you

It would be fun to culminate your study

some Mexicans come here illegally?

might want to study the migration of

of Mexico with a Mexican night, perhaps

What does our government think about

Monarch butterflies from The United

including groups performing Mariachi

this? What is done about it? What

States and Canada to Mexico. Read

songs in Spanish. Older students might

is our immigration policy? Is it differ-

students Isabel’s House of Butterflies

want to use the computer to create

ent from what it was 30, 50, 100 years

by Tony Johnston, a picture book of

brochures for a trip to Mexico. They

ago? How has it changed? What drives

fiction about a Mexican family and its

would have to do some research to find

change in the government’s attitude

connection to the Monarch butterflies.

interesting places to visit, some facts and

towards immigrants? What are some of

This book gives you the opportunity to

statistics about the country and the best

the problems and some of the benefits

here if they are not citizens? Why do

MARIACHI

35

of living in a country made up of many

S. Castaneda and Made in Mexico by

different ethnic groups? (To personalize

Peter Laufer and Susan L. Roth. Another

this, read aloud the book, La Mariposa,

good book is Children of Clay: a fam-

a story of a Mexican boy who is part of

ily of potters by Rina Swentzell. Discuss

a family of migrant workers. Describe

jobs in Mexico and some jobs that are

his difficulties going to school when

specific to certain regions in Mexico.

he doesn’t know the language. If your

Expand on this by talking about Mexican

students are learning Spanish, this would

crafts and how people can make a living

be a good time to ask them what words

selling things they make. Introduce older

they would have to know if they had to

students to the concept of trade. They

move to Mexico and go to a Mexican

will have learned about Native Ameri-

school.) Older students might like Lupita

cans and fur trading. Discuss “trading”

Mañana by Patricia Beatty, the story of

today. Define imports and exports. Do

children coming to the U.S. illegally to

we import things from Mexico? Do we

get money for their family.

export things to Mexico? Would we like to? Why? What does it mean when

When people emigrate from another

you say we have too many imports and

country to the United States they bring

not enough exports? Is that bad? Why?

their history, their culture, their language

What does trade have to do with natural

and their traditions with them. Take a

resources? Do all countries trade? What

look at “American” culture. What things

are some of the problems with interna-

do we think of as typically American?

tional trade?

What things are now an accepted part of our culture that originally came from immigrants? Introduce listing poetry.

You might play the song, “My Favorite Things,” as an example with which students will be familiar. Do a class listing poem titled “America” and one titled, “Mexico,” using good descriptive phrases to describe American and Mexican culture.

Mexico: Economy Economics is a part of the curriculum in every grade. In the lower grades talk about jobs. What jobs do people do?

Why do you need a job? What is a salary? Why do people need to work and make money? What is the difference between a want and a need? Erandi’s Braids, by Antonio Hernandez Madrigal and Tomie dePaola, is a picture book about a Mexican girl who sells her hair so her mother can buy a fishing net.

Read aloud Abuela’s Weave by Omar

36

UMS 10-11

ENGAGE

LESSON PLANS Form and Theme in the Traditional Mexican Corrido http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3742/ Students will learn about the traditional Mexican musical form of corridos, which dates back to the 1800s and continues to be very popular. They will analyze the themes and literary devices used in corridos such as “El Corrido de Gregorio Cortez” and “El Moro de Cumpas”. The lesson will culminate in students writing their own corridos based on the traditional form.

The Music & Meaning of Mexican Corridos http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/content/3743/ The corrido is a ballad form that developed in Mexico during the 1800s and still thrives today. In this unit, students will examine the historical and cultural significance of corridos and will compose original corrido lyrics. Since traditional historical corridos were written to communicate the news about actual events, especially the exploits of famous heroes or individuals fighting unjust authorities, one lesson in this unit focuses on corridos written about the Mexican Revolution. In the other lesson, students examine corrido lyrics from a language arts perspective, analyzing literary devices and themes at work in a selection of corrido lyrics.

Mexican Culture and History through Its National Holidays http://edsitement.neh.gov/printable_lesson_plan.asp?id=740 Much can be learned about a nation by looking at the events that appear on its calendar. National holidays provide insight into the values of a country while commemorating its history. Mexico today is the product of ancient Native American civilizations, European conquest, Catholic missionary efforts, two long and bloody revolutions, and many other wars. The encounter between European and indigenous, Catholic and pagan, and rich and poor has generated a unique culture in Mexico. This lesson will focus on holidays that represent and commemorate Mexico’s religious traditions, culture, and politics over the past five hundred years.

Guitar Is Everywhere! http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/6351/preview/ A quick activity (10-15 minutes) in which students watch a guitar performance and discuss the versatility of this amazing instrument.

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EXPLORE

R elated E vents

UMS Teacher Workshop:

develop their oral communication skills.

Center. Felix has published picture books

Exploring Latin American Culture

Teachers also learn how to choose appro-

(Juan Bobo and the Pig and Paco and

Through Animal Folktales

priate folktales, then help students bring

the Witch), contributed articles to La

Led by Felix Pitre

the story to life using voice and body and

Nueva Hola, a national newsletter for The

Thu, Oct 28, 4:30–7:30 PM

invite listeners’ participation to increase

Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors,

WISD Teaching and Learning Center

the story’s effectiveness.

and continues to present workshops for

1819 South Wagner Road, Ann Arbor Grades K-6

students and teachers on Latin American Felix Pitre, born in Cataño, Puerto Rico,

Culture.

has lived in the United States since the In this workshop, teachers examine ani-

age of two. As an actor, he has worked

mal folktales as a way to learn about Lat-

in every medium (television, film, theater,

in American culture, discovering ways to

and commercials) and has performed his

help students enhance their understand-

bilingual program, “Stories and Songs of

ing of human relationships—especially

Latin America” (1974) throughout the

cultural similarities and differences—and

United States, including at the Kennedy

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UMS 10-11

Funded in part by

®

EXPLORE

O ther R esources Organizations

WEB SITES

University Musical Society

Wayne State University

Mariachi Music

881 N University Ave

Center for Chicano-Boricua Studies

www.mariachimusic.com

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1101

3324 Faculty Administration Building

(734) 615-0122

656 W Kirby

umsyouth@umich.edu

Detroit, MI 48202

www.ums.org

(313) 577-4378

Youtube Channel: Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán’s www.youtube.com/mariachimusicdotcom

aa1941@wayne.edu COMPáS

www.clas.wayne.edu/cbs

Center of Music and Performing

National Geographic Kids: Mexico http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/

Arts Southwest

Artes Unidas de Michigan

Odd Fellows Building

P.O. Box 16088

8701 W Vernor Hwy

Lansing, MI 48901-6088

Smithsonian Global Sound: Mariachi

Detroit, MI 48209

(517) 335-0466

www.folkways.si.edu/flash/mariachi.html

(313) 554-0791

info@artesunidas.org

compascenter@yahoo.com

www.artesunidas.org

www.compascenter.org

places/find/mexico/

Time for Kids: Mexico www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/aw/

Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival University of Michigan

P.O. Box 1455

Center for Latin American

Holland, MI 49422-1455

and Caribbean Studies

(616) 394-0000

2607 Social Work Building

info@tulipanes.org

1080 South University St

www.tulipanes.org

wr/main/0,28132,591663,00.html

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106 (734) 763-0553 lacs.office@umich.edu www.ii.umich.edu/lacs

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

Harpole, Patricia W. Los Mariachis! An Introduction to Mexican Mariachi Music. Danbury, CT: World Music Press, 1991.

Nevin, Jeff. Virtuoso Mariachi. New York: University Press of America, 2002.

Sheehy, Daniel. Mariachi Music in America: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture. New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. www. mariachimusic.org

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UMS 10-11

ABOUT UMS

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UMS

W H AT I S U M S ?

The University Musical Society (UMS) is committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world in uncommon and engaging experiences.

One of the oldest performing arts presenters in the country, the University Musical Society is now in its 132nd season. With a program steeped in music, dance, and theater performed at the highest international standards of quality, UMS contributes to a vibrant cultural community by presenting approximately 60-75 performances and over 100 free educational and community activities each season.

UMS also commissions new work, sponsors artist residencies, and organizes collaborative projects with local, national, and international partners.

UMS Education and Community Engagement Department

MAILING ADDRESS 100 Burton Memorial Tower

STAFF

INTERNS

Kenneth C. Fischer

Emily Barkakati

UMS President

Neal Kelley

Claire C. Rice Interim Director

881 North University Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1011

Bennett Stein Sarah Suhadolnik

Residency Coordinator

Britta Wilhelmsen

Education Manager

UMS 10-11

Emily Michels

Mary Roeder

Omari Rush

42

Matthew MejĂ­a

UMS

U M S Y O U T H E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M 10 THINGS TO KNOW

QUALITY Every student deserves access to

ACCESSIBILITY Eliminating participation barriers

“the best” experiences of world arts

Working directly with schools to align our programs with classroom

• UMS subsidizes Youth Performance

and culture

K-12 SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS

goals and objectives

tickets to $6/student (average subsidy: • UMS presents the finest international

$25/ticket)

performing and cultural artists.

Ann Arbor Public Schools and the Washt• When possible, UMS reimburses bus-

• Performances are often exclusive to

• Superintendent of Ann Arbor Public • UMS Youth Education offers person-

Schools is an ex officio member of the

alized customer service to teachers in

UMS Board of Directors.

• UMS Youth Performances aim to

order to respond to each school’s unique

present to students the same perfor-

needs.

mance that the public audiences see (no watered-down content).

enaw Intermediate School District.

sing costs.

Ann Arbor or touring to a small number of cities.

• 14-year official partnerships with the

• UMS has significant relationships with Detroit Public Schools’ dance and world

• UMS actively seeks out schools with

language programs and is developing

economic and geographic challenges to

relationships with other regional districts.

ensure and facilitate participation.

• UMS is building partnerships with or of-

DIVERSITY Highlighting the cultural, artistic,

fering specialized services to the region’s ARTS EDUCATION LEADER

independent and home schools.

and geographic diversity of the world One of the premier arts education • Programs represent world cultures and

programs in the country

mirror school/community demographics.

• UMS’s peer arts education programs: Car• Students see a variety of art forms:

negie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center.

classical music, dance, theater, jazz, choral, global arts.

• UMS has the largest youth education

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS Affecting educators’ teaching practices at the developmental stage

program of its type in the four-state region

• UMS Youth Education is developing

• UMS’s Global Arts program focuses

and has consistent school/teacher participa-

a partnership with the U-M School of

on 4 distinct regions of the world—

tion throughout southeastern Michigan.

Education, which keeps UMS informed

Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Arab World—with a annual festival featuring

• 20,000 students are engaged each sea-

the arts of one region.

son by daytime performances, workshops and in-school visits.

• UMS Youth Education was awarded “Best Practices” by ArtServe Michigan and The Dana Foundation (2003).

of current research in educational theory and practice.

• University professors and staff are active program advisors and workshop presenters.

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KENNEDY CENTER PARTNERSHIP

TEACHER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• UMS Youth Education has been a

Meeting the actual needs of today’s

member of the prestigious Kennedy

educators in real time

Center Partners in Education Program since 1997.

• Partners in Education is a national consortium of arts organization and public school partnerships.

• UMS Youth Education works with a 50-teacher committee that guides program decision-making.

• The Committee meets throughout the season in large and small groups

• The program networks over 100 na-

regarding issues that affect teachers and

tional partner teams and helps UMS stay

their participation: ticket/bussing costs,

on top of best practices in education and

programming, future goals, etc.

arts nationwide.

IN-SCHOOL VISITS & CURRICULUM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT “I find your arts and culture workshops to be one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Ann Arbor’!”

–AAPS Teacher

DEVELOPMENT Supporting teachers in the classroom • UMS Youth Education places international artists and local arts educators/ teaching artists in classes to help educa-

• UMS Youth Education provides some

tors teach a particular art form or model

of the region’s most vital and responsive

new/innovative teaching practices.

professional development training.

• UMS develops nationally-recognized

• Over 300 teachers participate in our

teacher curriculum materials to help

educator workshops each season.

teachers incorporate upcoming youth performances immediately in their daily

• In most workshops, UMS utilizes and engages resources of the regional community: cultural experts and institutions, performing and teaching artists.

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UMS 10-11

classroom instruction.

UMS Youth Education Program umsyouth@umich.edu | 734-615-0122 www.ums.org/education

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK! UMS wants to know what teachers and students think about this Youth Performance.

We hope you’ll send us your thoughts, drawings, letters, or reviews.

UMS YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM Burton Memorial Tower • 881 N. University Ave. • Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1011 (734) 615-0122 phone • (734) 998-7526 fax • umsyouth@umich.edu www.ums.org/education

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