On February 9th, 2024, Mesquite Junior High School’s auditorium was filled with the vibrant sounds of mariachi music as the renowned Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar performed for students and staff at the school. Students in Mesquite Junior High’s Mariachi Club warmed up the audience with their own performance as attendees entered the auditorium. The performance, sponsored by Gold Canyon Art Council, showcased the fun and energetic music offered by mariachi bands ahead of the school’s launch of a Mariachi course in the 2024/2025 school year.
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar, a Grammy-winning ensemble with 26 years of experience captivating audiences across the US and Mexico, took center stage at Mesquite Junior High. Having collaborated with stars like Camilla Cabello and trading a jacket with Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly, the group uses its popularity to teach the cultural significance of mariachi music.
At Mesquite Junior High, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar worked to teach students about mariachi by putting on a vibrant performance that encouraged active participation from students while highlighting each of the roles played in a mariachi band. Throughout the show, the esteemed ensemble took the opportunity to educate students on various aspects of mariachi.
Students were introduced to palmas, the captivating traditional hand-clap percussion that adds rhythm and energy to mariachi music. The group even guided the audience in practicing palmas, transforming the auditorium into a sea of enthusiastic students. Additionally, the ensemble taught the cultural significance of "Un Grito," a unique vocal expression that combines laughter and cries to convey a range of emotions, encouraging students and staff to participate in un grito during specific songs.
"The Mariachi club helps students understand Mexican culture. It shows us different types of music and different ways to play instruments. I’m looking forward to the Mariachi class to start so more students can learn about this great music,” added a student at Mesquite Junior High.
The Mariachi club and the upcoming course are open to all students at Mesquite Jr. High. Students do not need to know how to play an instrument or identify with the Mexican community to join. For more information about the Mariachi club and the new course launching in the 2024/2025 school year, please contact Mesquite Junior High School.