Photo courtesy of Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana
As I pull into the parking lot, I can already hear the music. A cacophony of trumpets, violins and guitars greet me as I walk up to the small strip mall space on the Westside of Costa Mesa.
Araceli Ceja, the founder of Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana, greets me with a huge smile. “Welcome, thank you for coming!” she says, and ushers me into a little room just outside where the kids are already playing.
We had planned to meet before rehearsal started, but about a dozen young musicians have arrived early and they can’t wait to start the music.
“They love this music,” Araceli tells me, and I can hear their enthusiasm spilling over from the room next door. “Let me introduce you,” she says, and I scoot sideways into a tiny room full of kids and music stands and instruments.
Much-Anticipated Music Practice: Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana in Costa Mesa.
Photos: Samantha Chagollan
When it began almost two years ago, there were just six players. The original six were all from Michoacan, a state in the west of Mexico. They came up with the group name, and the first (and only) youth mariachi band in Costa Mesa was born.
The founding members of the group began to invite their friends to play too, and now the group has 16 members, ranging in age from 10 to 17 years old. Some of them play two or even three instruments, and the older kids mentor the younger ones.
They rehearse three times a week, and play three to four times in a typical weekend. In order to be in the group, the students have to have good grades in school (A’s and B’s mostly), and Araceli requires them to sign a contract that they will commit to a rehearsal and performance schedule that would be challenging for professional musicians, much less school-age kids. They spend between 10-17 hours rehearsing and performing in a week.
The Young Musicians Must Keep Their Grades Up And Commit to a Rigorous Practice / Performance Schedule.
Photos courtesy of Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana
But rigorous rehearsals mean these kids are too busy with music to be out causing mischief. “We show them that through music, you can find something different,” says Araceli.
And while they’re learning music, many are also discovering their heritage. It’s a unique way for them to connect with their families and their ancestors. Some of the kids didn’t even speak Spanish when they first came to the group, but they learn as they go.
Mariachi music has been around for hundreds of years, with origins dating back to the eighteenth century. A mariachi band can vary in size, but violins, trumpets and guitars are always involved. Typically, everyone in the band sings along with the chorus, and the lead is performed by different band members depending on the song. They often play at special occasions, even masses, and their music can be lively and upbeat, or soft and lilting.
When this band performs, it’s just the kids on stage—no adults are leading the group once the show starts. But there are six different teachers who guide the group, and several are members of local professional mariachi groups.
They perform at local community events, including churches and charity events, throughout Orange County. They also do shows at local schools and PTA meetings. Through those shows, they have been inspiring others to come and join them.
“We are open to teaching any kid who wants to come and learn!” Araceli beams, and I believe it because I can see the joy on the kids’ faces as they play for me.
As I listen to them play, and watch them do the choreography they have created themselves, I’m wowed. Their confidence and pride shines through, even here in rehearsal.
Araceli says that’s what she wants. “The more kids we can keep out of the streets and help, the better our community will be.”
Photo: Samantha Chagollan
Before I go, she tells me how much they all appreciate the support they get from our local community. The band thrives off of the audiences they play for, who I can imagine, are just as wowed as I am.
“You should come hear us play again!” she tells me before I head out.
The strains of the trumpets and guitars, and the chorus of young voices, follow me all the way out to my car—and home with me that night. I can’t wait to see them perform. ♥
To find out where you can catch them next, follow Mariachi Juvenil Herencia Michoacana on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
