MUS 124 - Mariachi Ensemble II

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1. Discuss the history, traditions, and cultural importance of mariachi music.
2. Demonstrate interpretation of mariachi musical selections from different regions at an intermediate level.  
3. Demonstrate intermediate motor skills.
4. Demonstrate rhythmic proportional knowledge at a high level.
5. Demonstrate proper ensemble techniques, including blending, balance, intonation, and timbres, at an advanced level.

1. Further Exploration of Mariachi Music
   1. The Mariachi Tradition
      1. History of mariachi groups in Mexico
      2. Cultural contexts of mariachi music
   2. Evaluation of Musicianship 
      1. Assessment of aural perception, intonation, proper embouchure, tone production, posture, and playing position of instrument
      2. Review of tuning, maintenance, and care for instrument
2. Interpretation of Mariachi Music
   1. Personal experiences with mariachi music
   2. Reviewing simple melodies
      1. Aural recognition and imitation of simple melodies
      2. Transposition of simple melodies and songs
      3. Application to more advanced melodies 
   3. Review of song forms and compositional techniques through recorded music from different regions
      1.  Polkas
      2.  Corridos
      3.  Rancheras
      4.  Huapangos
      5.  Sones
      6.  Paso Dobles
      7.  Valses
   4. Translating Spanish vocabulary for use with musical nomenclature.
3. Mind and Body Control
   1. Mental intensity towards objectives in rehearsals and performances
   2. Technical control over the instrument, including demonstrating proper playing position
      1. Special features of the guitarrón and vihuela
      2. Bass movements (guitarrón)
      3. Trumpet (including embouchure and fingering positions)
      4. Harp
      5. Violin
   3. Technical control over the body, including using proper posture, alignment, breathing, and diction in ensemble singing
4. Rhythms, Scales, Chords, and Endings
   1. Recognition of rhythmic patterns and meters
   2. Review of major scales 
   3. Demonstrating chord progressions and bass movements
   4. Aural recognition of major and minor three-part chords 
   5. Demonstration of the I, IV, V7 progression
   6. Demonstration of “de cajón” endings for rancheras, boleros, romanticos, rancheras, románticos, and corridos
5. Ensemble Performance
   1. Importance of good group dynamics
   2. Proper musical balance and blending
   3. Proper tone quality/production, intonation, and timbres.
   4. Proper apparel for mariachi ensembles (including its authenticity and appropriate use)