Search Results for mariachi

The Ambassadors of Mariachi: WNMU Collaborates with Morenci High School to Launch and Grow a Mariachi Program

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When Timothy “TJ” Gomez returned to his alma mater, Morenci High School in Morenci, AZ, to teach history, he realized that many of the co-curricular activities that were available in his youth were no longer offered to students. “We had a choir, marching band, concert band, theatre, art,” said Gomez. By the time he returned, most of those programs were gone, and even the band program was dwindling. Anxious to change that, Gomez decided to form a mariachi program at the school. Not sure where to start, Gomez reached out to his cousin, Raymond Gomez, who is an adjunct professor of music and Assistant Director of Mariachi Plata de WNMU who in turn spoke with Bryant Chaffino, Music Director and Director of Mariachi Plata de WNMU. Since that time, Gomez and Chaffino have collaborated to grow the mariachi program at Morenci. Each year Chaffino and Mariachi Plata de WNMU travel to high schools, including Morenci, to work with the students. “We are always ready to go help...
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Western New Mexico University Nurtures the Culture of Mariachi

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Since 2011, mariachi music has been included on the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritages in Need of Safeguarding,” published by UNESCO, the education, science and culture arm of the United Nations. This summer, the WNMU music program took action to safeguard this heritage by hosting high school mariachi ensembles in a four-day conference, the inaugural event in what it expects to be an annual tradition. El Son de la Gila: Exploring Culture through Mariachi was held on campus June 12-15. Drawing students and their mariachi directors from across the southwest, the conference provided an opportunity for high school musicians to learn from master mariachis and each other. The idea for the conference came from a recognition that the rich cultural and musical heritage of mariachi deserves to be highlighted, celebrated, and passed down to future generations. Mariachi music is engrained in the identity of WNMU, a Hispanic Serving Institution, and the continued legacy of the art...
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Mariachi Plata de WNMU Takes Second Overall

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Mariachi Plata de Western New Mexico University has long been the state's only competitive collegiate mariachi, but now the group is also officially the region’s sole award-winning collegiate mariachi. The group was the only New Mexico collegiate mariachi participating in the 30th Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque — a conference offering arts education through lectures and workshops and promoting New Mexico’s vibrant artistic, cultural and ethnic heart. The conference concluded with a showcase that, according to the event’s website, “provides an opportunity for musicians from around the country who have attended the three-day Mariachi Spectacular Conference to perform for the people of Albuquerque and to compete for the opening slot in the Mariachi Spectacular Concert scheduled for the following evening at Sandia Casino Amphitheater.” Groups were limited to seven-minute performances. The categories were to include Elementary School, Middle School, High School,...
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Mariachi Plata de WNMU Aims To Improve, Showcase Musical Skill

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Mariachi Plata de Western New Mexico University, the state’s only competitive university mariachi, is participating in Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque this week. This group of students will be attending musical workshops, competing in the collegiate category of the showcase competition, and finally performing for the public on Friday night. The 17 WNMU student musicians on their way to the regional conference for mariachi and folklorico performers are majoring in other fields while minoring in music and carrying on our region’s cultural identity with traditional tunes. “These students grew up in the Hispanic tradition and learned to play mariachi in their hometowns. The Western New Mexico University mariachi program allows them to continue expressing themselves artistically,” said Mariachi Plata Director Bryant Chaffino. Mariachi Plata de WNMU is a past winner of the collegiate category at Mariachi Spectacular, and the group is aiming for another top-notch...
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Mariachi Plata de WNMU To Perform at Isotopes Mariachis de Nuevo México Game

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The award-winning Mariachi Plata de Western New Mexico University was invited to perform in Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park during the Mariachis de Nuevo México promotional game against the El Paso Chihuahuas on Tuesday, September 14. Plus, the honor of throwing the first pitch will be given to WNMU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jack Crocker, who is best known as a poet and songwriter but also has a storied baseball background having once pitched at the semi-pro level and been scouted by the Detroit Tigers. As the only competitive university mariachi in the state, Mariachi Plata de WNMU regularly delivers award-winning performances at showcases like Mariachi Spectacular de Albuquerque and at events throughout southwest New Mexico. The chance to play for a new audience in an 11,000-seat outdoor venue excites the student members, who have had few occasions to don their traje and share their talents since March 2020. “Our students...
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Mariachi concert and workshops to feature award-winning performers

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A celebration of Mexico’s independence will be commemorated through song and dance at Western New Mexico University. Mariachi Plata, WNMU’s award-winning mariachi ensemble, along with Ballet Folklorico Paso Del Norte, Mariachi Raices de America, and Antonio Reyna, New Mexico’s Male Vocalist of the Year, will be on campus to conduct music workshops and perform in concert. The workshops will take place Thursday, September 14 and Friday, September 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Parotti Music Building. Designed for musicians with a minimum of two years experience in their instrument, cost is $50 per participant. Registration is available by contacting Bryant Chaffino at 575-538-6617. The weekend will conclude with a concert featuring the three ensemble groups and Antonio Reyna on Saturday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Theater. Admission is $10 per person. WNMU students and children aged two-years old and under are free. Tickets may be...
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WNMU Mariachi Plata Earns First Place Recognition

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Mariachi Plata struck all the right notes at a recent competition in Albuquerque, where the Western New Mexico University musical ensemble took home two top awards. Mariachi Plate earned first place in the university category and second place overall at Mariachi Spectacular, an annual summer conference for mariachi ensembles throughout the region. The WNMU group returned to the event, having initially taken second place in 2016. “Our group has really progressed over the last two years,” said Bryant Chaffino, Mariachi Plata musical director. “I’m proud to say that Mariachi Plata has become a positive source of pride for Western.” The two-day conference and competition provided the student musicians with access to knowledge from renowned artists and composers. At least 14 ensembles performed in the contest. The community-at-large can support Mariachi Plata’s ongoing efforts by donating to the University Foundation. For more information, contact...
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