MUS 124 - Mariachi Ensemble II

1 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
0 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Continuation of MUS 122. Continued development and refinement of performance skills for mariachi music, including playing, transposing, and singing mariachi songs in an ensemble setting. Additional exploration of the important traditional, historical, and cultural contexts of mariachi music. Public performances may be required.

Prerequisite(s): MUS 122
Information: All interested students are welcome to register. Students will audition for placement within the ensemble. May be taken two times for a maximum of four credit hours. If this course is repeated, see a financial aid or Veteran’s Affairs advisor to determine funding eligibility as appropriate.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

Outline:

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
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.
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
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
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)

Effective Term:
2022-2023

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