¿Cómo se llama music that thrills?
¡MARIACHI!

By Pete Pyeatt, Pulse Staff Reporter

If you are looking for a course that provides a great learning experience and and opportunity to be a part of a growing program, look no further than the Mariachi Program in Palo Alto’s Music Department. Brent Osner, associate professor of Music at Palo Alto, did not expect the success of the program when he helped start it in the Fall semester of 1997. In fact, 30 people signed up for the first college class of the Marachi Program, making it one of the highest enrollments ever recorded at Palo Alto for a new course. Today, classes in the Mariachi Program consist of Beginning Mariachi, Student Ensemble, and Singing. "It has been really, very, very successful," said Osner. "Moreover, my telephone has not stopped ringing, literally, since we started the program. This program is designed to build a mariachi presence in this Music Department, and one day I feel that we can be one of the best in Texas." The program has been so widely recognized that Texas A&M Kingsville and UT-Pan America have both linked up with it to offer transferable classes. The reason for the program’s success may be the fact that Palo Alto is the only college in San Antonio that offers a Mariachi Program. The program combines the expertise of the Campanas de America, a nationally acclaimed mariachi group that serves as Palo Alto’s artists-in-residence, and the professional experience of Juan Ortiz, who is also a member of the Campanas. "A lot of the students’ last names are Hispanic, but they do not know a lot about the culture and heritage that it comes with," said Ortiz, who came to Palo Alto after a hiatus from teaching. "One of my goals here is to enhance the awareness of mariachi music, its meaning and its folklore." Ortiz said the importance of teaching mariachi music can be summed up in two words: excitement and challenge. Watching a student’s progress and knowledge develop after a four to five month period, although at first challenging, is very exciting." Ortiz’s style of teaching is welcomed by his students, and all seem to appreciate the progress he is making with each of his classes. "I am learning the history and culture of mariachi music, as well as how to play," said Matthew Torres, a freshman Education major. The second-level student ensemble class, "Mariachi Palomino," performs at various events such as political functions, conventions, weddings and other receptions for donations ranging anywhere from $150 to $250. Mariachi Palomino plays about 25 events a year. Money they raised last year, more than $2,500, paid for their new uniforms. Mariachi Palomino students also receive incentives from the music department for playing at assigned functions. These incentives include book vouchers, which gives students $75 or more to pay toward books for next semester. Catherine Navarro, a freshman Education major who is also a fan of Mariachi Palomino, said, "I really enjoy watching them play. They play a lot of songs I know and can sing along to." The group also plays at area high schools in hopes of recruiting students who are interested in playing for the Mariachi Program at Palo Alto. Osner wishes high school students will one day earn dual credit by playing at Palo Alto while earning both high school and college credit. Upon signing up, you will enter the Beginning Mariachi class. The second course, Student Ensemble, requires a"pending" prerequisite, which means you will have to go through the first class or enter with an audition. Students, both high school and college, may be reluctant to sign up for classes because they may not own a musical instrument. Not to worry. The music department provides students with instruments and other materials for the courses. Samuel Barragan, a freshman Music major, said, "I am improving my ability to play, but I am also learning a lot about mariachi culture." If you are interested in signing up for the course or would like more information, cantact the Music Department at 921-5345. The folklore and camaraderie of mariachi music is right at your fingertips here on Palo Alto's campus.

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