Mariachi music is a familiar musical form recognized throughout Mexico and the United States, if not worldwide. However, the mariachi ensemble and music, as we know them today, have evolved greatly over time. Originally just one of many regional Mexican musical styles, change came in the 1930s when mariachis gained the attention of the nascent electronic media in Mexico City. While mariachi ensembles have gained prominence and popularity beyond their state of origin, Jalisco, their instrumentation and repertoire have been modified, as well. Today, we expect trumpets, violins, guitars, vihuelas, and a guitarrón. At the turn of the 19th century, mariachi ensembles were smaller and much more likely to include only string instruments, with a repertoire was appropriate to that combination. Finding musicians with experience in this older style is rare.
A cowboy by profession, Julián González is from the state of Jalisco and has played in various mariachi ensembles during his life. Having learned from his own father and the elders of his community, he plays the mariachi of the 1800s and his roots in the tradition include first-hand knowledge of the older sones or tunes that use only the violin and string instruments in the rhythm section. González is excited to have the opportunity to share is musical knowledge with young, talented musicians who appreciate the older style mariachi repertoire.
Members of Los Cenzontles, Hugo Arroyo, Xavier Velázquez, and Tregar Otton are proven musicians who are dedicated to learning many of the various traditional musical styles of Mexico. Arroyo and Velázquez have already studied traditional music at Los Cenzontles Mexican Arts Center with other master musicians. During their apprenticeship with González they will focus on learning the older repertoire of mariachi music, as well as the stylistic components and techniques that distinguish this older music from the mariachi music that is already so familiar to the public.
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