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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSI D035.
Course Title (CB02)
Mariachi Ensemble
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2021
Course Description
This is an intermediate-level ensemble course focusing on mariachi literature. Students will rehearse and perform arrangements for mariachi. This course emphasizes authentic mariachi style, excellence in personal and group performance, repertoire building, sight-reading music, playing and transposing songs by ear, memorization techniques, working and performing in a group, stage presence and other aspects of performance, and overall professionalism.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This course is transferable to CSU and UC. It belongs on the Music AA degree. This course provides training in mariachi instrumental ensembles; ensembles are an essential element of music education.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Course Philosophy
Bueno pa' gozar!

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
5

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
2.0
Maximum Credit Units
2.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours3.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
36.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

Ability to play a mariachi or related instrument. Enrollment subject to audition.

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

(Student must audition or meet course prerequisite(s).)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Lecture/demonstration with student application

Homework and extended projects

Rehearsal of mariachi ensemble

Assignments

  1. Daily practice and preparation of assigned musical selections.
  2. Participation in dress rehearsals and final quarterly concert.
  3. Preparation for special performances.

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Ongoing assessment of student preparation of assigned material, showing continuing development and improvement as well as active classroom participation and responsiveness.
  2. Mid-term and Final tests to assess knowledge, independence, accuracy, and interpretation of the assigned repertoire by demonstrating correct intonation, phrasing balance, dynamics, and tone quality on his or her instrument.
  3. Final performance, assessed through student demonstration of learned skills.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Access to a personally owned instrument and accessories (some instruments available for borrowing during the quarter)
Essential College Facilities:
  • Appropriate rehearsal space for sections and large ensemble; adequate performance venue
  • CD, DVD players
  • Amplification/Sound reinforcement
  • Basic supply of instruments to loan
  • Library of mariachi music scores

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
*Nevin, Jeff. Mariachi Mastery (guitar, guitarron, harp, viola, violin). San Diego, California: Neil A. Kjos Music Company, 2016.
Cruz, Rachel Y. "The Art of Mariachi: A Curriculum Guide" Los Angeles, California: Conocimientos Press LLC, 2017

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Nevin, Jeff. "Mariachi Mastery Songbook" San Diego, CA: Kjos Music Company, 2017.
Nevin, Jeff. "Virtuoso Mariachi". UPA, 2001

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Interpret musical works in the correct style and phrasing
  • Develop ensemble performance skills
  • Develop instrumental technique
  • Develop vocal technique (where appropriate)
  • Demonstrate the value and importance of the special commitment to a performing group through consistent attendance and participation at rehearsals and public concerts
  • Prepare for public performances through individual practice

CSLOs

  • Sight read, rehearse, and publicly perform repertoire from the mariachi literature in various styles.

  • Participate in the art of performing in an ensemble by demonstrating correct intonation, phrasing, balance, dynamics, and tone quality.

Outline

  1. Interpret musical works in the correct style and phrasing
    1. Music for rehearsal and performance will be chosen from appropriate arrangements for the ensemble
    2. Interpret works from various regions and styles, including Ranchera valseada, Ranchera polkeada, Ranchera lenta, Son jalisciense, Jarabe, Huapango, Bolero Ranchero
    3. Uniformity of bowing (violins), articulation (trumpets), and strumming (guitars)
  2. Develop ensemble performance skills
    1. Recognize the role of, and develop appropriate musical responses to, the conductor and conducting gestures indicating meter, tempo, dynamics, and balance
    2. Stage presence
    3. Memorization
    4. Sight read music
  3. Develop instrumental technique
    1. Sound production
    2. Tone quality
    3. Range
    4. Finger dexterity
    5. Breath control (wind instrument), bow control (violins), and hand/finger control (guitars)
    6. Posture
  4. Develop vocal technique (where appropriate)
    1. Breath control
    2. Vocalization
    3. Range
    4. Diction
    5. Posture
    6. Expression
  5. Demonstrate the value and importance of the special commitment to a performing group through consistent attendance and participation at rehearsals and public concerts
    1. Learning performance etiquette and concert attire
    2. Being responsible for care of instruments, folders, and music
    3. Contribute to the success of the group through cooperation.
  6. Prepare for public performances through individual practice
    1. Repetition of assigned passages for perfection in daily

      practice.
    2. Apply the use of a metronome and/or tuning device in order to perfect intonation and performing at correct tempi

Lab Topics

  1. Students will rehearse selected repertoire
  2. Students will practice correct phrasing of musical passages.
  3. Students will practice balance and intonation with ensemble
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