Department of Fine and Performing Arts

Prof. Carlos Castañeda, Director

The Mariachi Internacional TAMIU consists of music students and students of other disciplines who are interested in learning and/or improving their technique and style of mariachi music. The TAMIU mariachi program represents the tradition, culture, and heritage of the large Hispanic population of the University and the South Texas area through multiple performances every semester.

Class Enrollment and Audition Process

Do I get credit?
Yes, non-music majors can enroll in the Mariachi Class for credit using the general electives within their degree plan. Music majors can use it as a chamber ensemble (BM performance degree only).

What if I do not own an instrument?
It is best if you bring your own instrument; however, the Dept. of Fine & Performing Arts does have a limited supply of mariachi instruments that students can check out each semester.

When does Mariachi Internacional meet?
We have two distinctive Mariachi ensembles:

• a) Mariachi Internacional – Competitive: Meets on Mondays from 6:00pm-9:00pm. This ensemble is open to experienced and highly skilled mariachi musicians and is contingent upon a successful audition with the Music Director. Requires a higher commitment, availability for performances, and strong memorization skills.
• b) Mariachi Internacional – Repertory: Meets on Wednesdays from 6:00pm-9:00pm. This ensemble focuses on standard mariachi repertoire. Easier in skill level is open to students that want to refine their mariachi skills, singing, play on a secondary instrument and/or just play for fun.

Will Financial Aid Cover Mariachi?
Yes, if you use mariachi as the General Elective within your degree.

Do I need to audition?
Yes, please contact Prof. Castañeda at: carlos.castaneda@tamiu.edu

Auditions

Auditions are only required for the competitive level Mariachi Internacional. These are made by appointment at any time before the first day of classes (please email the director to schedule your audition: carlos.castaneda@tamiu.edu)

Seating Auditions are held during the second mariachi class of every semester, to determine who will play first, second, or third parts, and to choose the section leaders.

The audition, and seating audition will include:

• Scales: Major scales should be played using eighth notes, minimum tempo quarter note = 80. The scales should include two octaves for trumpets if possible, and at least two for violins (three when possible). Guitarrón will play one octave and Arpa as many as possible. Armonia (guitars and vihuelas) must prepare all the sequence of chords presented in a harmonic progression to accompany the scales (please contact director to get a copy of the required harmonic progression).
• Selected Piece: You will be asked to play one or two sections of the selected piece (please contact director to get a copy of the required piece this semester).
• Piece of your choice: Prepare an eight to sixteen measure long excerpt that best demonstrates your musical ability and mariachi style (sones, rancheras, huapangos, joropos and boleros rancheros are accepted).
• Sight reading might also be asked.

Questions? Please email Mr. Castañeda: carlos.castaneda@tamiu.edu