The Call of Mariachi Attracts Musician to WNMU
Even before he set foot in a classroom on campus, first year student Antonio Guerrero was immersed in Mariachi Plata de WNMU. A graduate of Atrisco Heritage Academy High School in Albuquerque, Guerrero was in Silver City last June for El Son de la Gila, a mariachi conference sponsored by WNMU, and for ¡Fiesta Latina!, the annual celebration of New Mexico’s connection with its Mexican heritage, customs and traditions. “We hit the ground running when I came here because even before I started classes, we had a two-week camp for ¡Fiesta Latina!” and the conference, said Guerrero. Mariachi Plata de WNMU is central to Guerrero’s attendance at the university. He learned about the group when members visited and performed at his high school with WNMU Music Instructor and Director of Mariachi Plata de WNMU Bryant Chaffino. “They are the biggest reason why I came here,” said Guerrero. Since this summer, Guerrero, who plays the vihuela for the group, has traveled...