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| Mariachi is a genre of music that originated in the State of Jalisco, in Mexico. It is an integration of stringed instruments highly influenced by the cultural impacts of the historical development of Western Mexico. The United States has experienced a surge in the interest in this genre of music. People of all cultures can enjoy, as well as participate, in this unique music which is full of emotion, passion and excitement. There are many thriving school Mariachi programs in the USA churning out talented performers from all races and ethnic backgrounds. Mariachi ensembles are generally comprised of violins, trumpets, guitars, vihuelas and guitarron. So what about Mariachi percussion? Sound silly? Well, through the years, some Mariachi groups have added percussion instruments to their ensembles, but it was and is rare. What is not rare is the percussive element that does exist in Mariachi music, void of actual percussion instruments. This drive and the percussive element are achieved through the rhythm section, or las armonías. As a percussionist myself, I have been fortunate to learn about all types drums, shakers, and the like (especially since joining West Music in January of 2011), so I was excited to learn about how Mariachi professionals create that rhythm section sound without a drummer keeping the beat.
The vihuela and six-string guitar provide the rhythmic sound, the backbeat if you will, we experience when enjoying a Mariachi performance. The precise strumming techniques, downstrokes, upstrokes, using the hand to mute the strings, and at the same time using the body of the guitar over the soundhole as a sort of drum create a unique percussive sound. At a recent Mariachi workshop in Texas I had the opportunity to sit and talk with Mariachi educators who themselves also perform with Mariachi ensembles when not mentoring our youth in the art. It became obvious that the classical guitar tone is crucial in its support of the guitarron and vihuela. One prevalent topic I encountered when discussing instruction of young musicians in Mariachi music was the quality of the instruments the students bring to class. Of course, we at West Music have the finest guitarron and vihuelas available, but it was our Westwood line of classical guitars that really grabbed these instructors’ attention. The above-mentioned strumming techniques translate very well on the Westwood guitars because of their fine resonate and durable qualities. The teachers also confided in me that a student might bring an inexpensive guitar purchased through alternative outlets, or rent an instrument from the school for around $100.00 a year, while they can own a quality Westwood guitar for less. Included with each of our Westwood guitars are a high-quality gig bag, guitar strap, and strap endpin. They come with industry-standard D’Addario Pro-Arte nylon strings. 1/2-size is perfect for ages 5-8 or height of player between 3’10” to 4’5” tall
We encourage you to have a look at these instruments and see what these teachers saw as an excellent choice to bring together their string sections for a more rounded sound at an amazing price. You might also want to share this with your students’ parents so they can ensure their children are playing an instrument that will encourage them to practice and stay excited about this wonderful cultural and musical experience.
Check out the full line of Westwood Classical Guitars | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Randy Hargis is our Education Consultant for General Music and Mariachi. He has worked in the music industry since 1977 when he began his gigging career at the young age of 15. Before coming to West Music in 2011 Randy worked as a music education consultant as well a sales manager and marketing manager for an electronic musical instrument company.
Randy is passionate about his role in helping music teachers find the right instruments and learning materials for the classroom.
