The Mariachi Mastery Scholarship Program (the “Program”), led by the esteemed Mariachi Los Reyes in partnership with Power of One Foundation and The City of Santa Ana, aims to provide aspiring young musicians with comprehensive training in the artistry of mariachi music. The Program is tentatively designed for nine (9) different bands composed of youth (average age of 9-12) , teen (average age 13-16) and young adults (average age (17-21). By the end of the Program, participants will have developed advanced techniques, gained performance experience, confidence in performing, and allowed to record a professional single, empowering them to pursue their dreams of becoming professional mariachi musicians.
Program Overview:
Month 1: Introduction to Mariachi Music Orientation session: Introduction to the history, culture, and significance of mariachi music. Instrument selection: Participants choose their instrument(s) (trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, guitarrón) and receive basic training. Fundamentals of rhythm and melody: Learn essential techniques for playing mariachi music.
Months 2-3: Technique Development Instrument-specific workshops: Intensive training sessions focusing on mastering the techniques and nuances of each instrument. Ensemble rehearsals: Collaborate with fellow participants to learn traditional mariachi repertoire and refine ensemble skills. Guest master classes: Receive guidance from renowned mariachi musicians to enhance technical proficiency and stage presence.
Months 4-5: Repertoire Building and Performance Preparation Selection of repertoire: Explore a diverse range of mariachi songs, selecting pieces for the final recording. Rehearsals and sectionals: Practice chosen repertoire with a focus on musical interpretation, dynamics, and expression. Stagecraft and performance skills: Workshops and simulations to develop confidence and stage presence
Month 6: Recording and Release Recording session: Participants record their chosen piece(s) under the guidance of Mariachi Los Reyes and professional sound engineers. Post-production: Editing and mixing of the recorded tracks to ensure a high-quality final product. Release and promotion: The single is released into the marketplace, with support from Mariachi Los Reyes and promotional efforts to showcase the talent of the participants.
Throughout the program, participants will also receive mentorship and guidance on navigating the professional mariachi industry, including tips on auditioning, networking, and career development. The Program aims to equip aspiring young musicians with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in their journey towards becoming professional mariachi artists
Contest Duration: Mid-May 2024 to Early July 2024
Final Event Date: July 27, 2024
Location: Eddie West Stadium, Santa Ana, California
Categories: Youth, Teen, Young Adult
Age Groups: Youth (9-12), Teen (13-16), Young Adults (17-21)
Submission: Contestants must submit a video link of their performance to [email protected] by a specified
deadline June 24th 2024.
Judging and Criteria
Judges: Five esteemed judges with backgrounds in mariachi music and cultural arts will evaluate the submissions.
Criteria: Musicality, technical skill, stage presence, authenticity, and overall performance quality.
1st Place: Mariachi Mastery Six Month
Scholarship Program ($3000 Value)
2nd Place: 1 Single Recording Studio Session
3rd Place: Customized Mariachi Uniform
Teen Category:
1st Place: Mariachi Mastery Six Month
Scholarship Program ($3000 Value)
2nd Place: Two Recording Studio Sessions
3rd Place: Set of professional mariachi
instruments
Young Adult Category:
1st Place: Mariachi Mastery Six Month
Scholarship Program ($3000 Value)
2nd Place: 3 Studio Recording Session
3rd Place: Customized Mariachi Uniforms
The Power of One Foundation, The City of Santa Ana, Mariachi Los Reyes and ALR Entertainment plays a vital role in cultural preservation and personal development through music, focusing on the transformative influence of mariachi—a genre deeply embedded in cultural identity. This traditional music form acts not just as entertainment but as a conduit
for young performers to explore and connect deeply with their heritage
Music as a Catalyst for Change
Music education is recognized by the Foundation as a powerful tool for enhancing cognitive abilities, academic performance, and emotional resilience among youth. Mariachi music, in particular, offers a unique avenue for young individuals to engage with their cultural history, fostering both personal and communal identity. The Foundation’s efforts ensure that economic barriers do not obstruct eager young minds from accessing music education, instrument provision, and performance opportunities. These programs don't just produce musicians but nurture future leaders who value their cultural roots.
Mariachi Music: A Link to Heritage and Family Traditions
Mariachi is more than music; it's a legacy of storytellers and musicians that resonate through generations. The Power of One Foundation, The City of Santa Ana, Mariachi Los Reyes and ALR Entertainment supports young individuals in learning mariachi, thereby helping them connect with historical narratives and continue the musical traditions of their ancestors. The Foundation's initiatives often involve family members, enhancing this educational journey with rich, multi-generational interactions that reinforce family ties and cultural continuity.
Performance Opportunities: Showcasing Talent and Building Confidence
The Power of One Foundation, The City of Santa Ana, Mariachi Los Reyes and ALR Entertainment also highlights the importance of performance. Organizing concerts and participating in events like the "Battle of the Mariachis" provides young musicians a stage to exhibit their talents, fostering skill refinement, confidence, teamwork, and pride. These performances engage diverse audiences, increasing community involvement and ensuring the relevance of mariachi music in modern society.
The Power of Music in Shaping Future Generations
The Foundation champions the profound impact of music on shaping futures and preserving cultural identities. By supporting youth in mariachi music, the Foundation not only cultivates individual talent but also strengthens the cultural foundations of communities. The deep connections formed by these young musicians with their heritage and families through music underscore the belief that deep roots enable us to withstand life’s challenges.
Through its dedicated initiatives, the Power of One Foundation, The City of Santa Ana, Mariachi Los Reyes and ALR Entertainment affirms the significant role of music in influencing lives, shaping futures, and preserving cultures. As these young individuals continue to echo the chords of their ancestors, they honor their past and craft their futures, demonstrating the transformative power of music—one note at a time
Special Recognition Ceremony
Video Montage of Maestro's Impact
Performance by Former Students
Lupita Infante has Mexican royalty running through her veins, and she’s keeping the family legacy alive while creating her own. The granddaughter of Pedro Infante and daughter of Pedro Infante Jr. has a stunning vocal range and emotional depth that can leave chills down your spine. Today, the Mexican-American singer, presents her debut album with Sony Music Latin, Amor Como En Las Películas De Antes.
After the death of her father, Lupita decided to go all in with singing. She has taken the stage at some of the biggest award shows and has released singles along the way, leading up to this stunning work of art.
Lupita Infante songs pays homage to the golden age of Mexican cinema and is a tribute to her Mexican heritage, culture, and musical inspirations. Transporting listeners through time, Lupita is redefining the boundaries of Mariachi music. She beautifully blends traditional and contemporary Mariachi elements, effortlessly transcending generational barriers
Founded in 1999, by musical director and trumpet player Cindy Shea, Mariachi Divas is known for its innovative and eclectic array of music ranging from mariachi classics to jazz and pop. Their music can be characterized as sophisticated, smooth, and refined providing an elegant approach to the mariachi tradition and part of the successful sound in which Mariachi Divas
excels. Due to the wide accessibility of Mariachi Divas and their vast fan base, since 2003, Mariachi Divas is the official premier all-female mariachi of the Disneyland Resort.
Mariachi Divas was recently featured in Disney Pixar’s Coco: A Live-to-Film Concert Experience at the Hollywood Bowl. Mariachi Divas is often sought after to appear in various television, film, and music video projects. In 2019 they received their 11th GRAMMY nomination (between American and Latin), Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea’s groundbreaking 15th Album 20 Aniversario marked a distinguished career spanning 20 years. Nominated in the Best Regional Mexican Music Album (including Tejano) category this album featured mariachi classics along with original compositions such as “Así es una mujer” composed by Edgar Cortazar & Cindy Shea which has won the Global Music Award and Hollywood Music in Media Award in their Latin (Traditional) category for best song