Students looking to broaden their musical horizons this upcoming semester are in for a pleasant surprise, as two brand new music courses will be available them. Mariachi Ensemble I (MUEN 1160) and Mariachi Ensemble II (MUEN 2160) will debut this Fall Semester, providing a perfect opportunity for students who have always wanted to get a foothold on learning a little bit more about music.
As the names suggest, both courses are rooted in mariachi music and cover a wide array of elements inherent to the style. Texas Southmost College Music Program Administrator and Director of Mariachi Escorpion Avigai Gonzalez feels that the biggest strength of the courses is that they can align with a student’s prior level of musical experience, whether they are already experienced musicians or just barely picking up an instrument for the first time.
“Mariachi Ensemble I is a beginner mariachi class for any students interested in learning a mariachi instrument such as the violin, trumpet, harp, vihuela, guitarron, and guitar, while Mariachi Ensemble II is an intermediate and advanced class,” Gonzales explained. “This is the performing group for students who have experience in mariachi and would like to continue their mariachi skills at the performance level.”
The classes are the latest additions to a growing number of music programs and events at TSC. This past April, the college hosted the first-ever installment of the TSC Mariachi Festival, drawing in over 600 visitors and 500 students and performers from across Texas over the course of two days. More recently, the three-day TSC Mariachi Summer Camp saw students from several South Texas schools gather together to learn from an assortment of musical clinicians and participate in a group concert at the college’s Performing Arts Center.
With more music courses gradually becoming available and a dedicated program for an associate’s degree in music in the works, TSC is offering more opportunities for students to explore music as an area of study to enhance their overall college experience.
“The beauty of a community college lies in the personalized attention and direct guidance it offers students toward achieving their future goals, regardless of their field of study,” said Gonzalez. “I am a product of a community college, and it was the perfect path for me because it provided me with the opportunity to reflect on my true aspirations, and music has always been my passion.”
Drawing on her own experiences as a student and a teacher, Gonzalez understands the powerfully positive effect that such a thing can have on students who are still searching for their own path in higher education. “The support and guidance I received from my professors were among the greatest blessings in my life. Today, I strive to give back that same guidance by directing a music program here at TSC.”
For more information on the new Mariachi Ensemble I and II courses, please visit the TSC Registration page or contact Avigai Gonzalez at [email protected]
Mariachi Ensemble Classes
Avigai Gonzalez works closely with two student vocalists during the TSC Mariachi Summer Camp.
Mariachi Ensemble Classes
Young students from local schools practiced and performed various pieces as part of the TSC Mariachi Summer Camp.
Mariachi Ensemble Classes
The TSC Mariachi Festival was marked by several dynamic performances from mariachi groups both from Texas and beyond.
Mariachi Ensemble Classes
The inaugural TSC Mariachi Festival drew hundreds of spectators to experience an evening of energetic mariachi performances.
