Trujillo says that he bolsters students’ enthusiasm by having them don the traje de charro, the traditional attire worn by mariachi musicians. “It’s exciting for them,” says Trujillo, “because there is no other ensemble, no other group within the school that would wear the traditional garb—the silver lining, the sombreros. [The enthusiasm] comes from a pride of wearing that uniform,” Trujillo explains, “and representing not only the school but representing the music of Mexico.”

He hastens to add that not all his mariachi students are Hispanic. Many of those who aren’t Hispanic are attracted to mariachi “because of the camaraderie, the family environment of the group.” It is this familial feeling, in part, that Trujillo says accounts for the students who line up outside the band room at 7 A.M., before school, just so they can squeeze in a little practice time before attending their other classes.

Playing for a Bigger Audience
Trujillo recently took 20 of his kids to Reno, Nevada, for the American String Teachers Association’s National Conference, where they performed for attendees. “They did great!” he says proudly, pointing out that none of the kids had been on an airplane before and many had never traveled out of Las Vegas. In March, he also took an ensemble to play for state senators and assembly people on Nevada’s Arts Advocates Day. Trujillo says mariachi “is providing these wonderful experiences that you’d want a program to provide students.”

Trujillo recalls that when he was young and played mariachi in a youth group, he was mocked by other kids. “They used to laugh and say, ‘Oh, why do you wear those tight pants?’” he recalls. “But playing mariachi music is now the cool thing to do!”

Karen Iris Tucker is a Brooklyn, New York-based freelance journalist who has written about music for the Star-Ledger, Time Out New York, and Acoustic Guitar, among other publications.

Javier’s Advice
• Have students practice vocal harmonies in addition to instrumental harmonies to help them become more comfortable playing together.
• In a school setting, academic requirements can help students feel they’ve earned their spot in an ensemble.
• Students can handle difficult rhythms with the right direction. Encourage them to count rhythms aloud, emphasizing the appropriate beats.