Jose Hernandez Mariachi Academy

The Jose Hernandez Mariachi Academy program offers students a high-quality music-making experience of a multigenerational tradition rooted in a sound, sequential, standards-based curriculum taught by instructors who possess the advanced skills required for performing in a traditional mariachi ensemble. In addition to focusing on the performance skills articulated in the Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools, the José Hernández Mariachi Academy curriculum provides students with an exceptional introductory educational experience that expands their cultural awareness and promotes a lifelong appreciation for music and music-making. Participants will be introduced to music of the mariachi genre through the singing of traditional songs and the playing of instruments inherent to the mariachi ensemble. Those instruments include violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela and guitarrón. The course scope and goals of the Academy curriculum are below.