Mariachi at CWU
Mariachi
Mariachi at CWU
Mariachi ensembles at CWU offer students an opportunity to apply and improve their musical skills in study and performance of a variety of styles of traditional and contemporary Mariachi music. Students have the opportunity to increase cultural knowledge, enjoy friendship and camaraderie, and represent CWU onstage both on campus and in the community.
CWU’s Mariachi offerings began in 2019 as an outgrowth of the student-led Mariachi Club. We are proud that student commitment and effort have allowed the program to grow, and we look forward to continuing this in the years to come in the storied tradition of CWU Ensembles.
Ensembles
Mariachi del Centro
Mariachi del Centro (Mariachi II, MUS 237/437) is a non-auditioned ensemble for musicians with some experience with Mariachi music on the traditional instruments of violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, harp, and voice. Please contact Dr. Bret Smith at Bret.Smith@cwu.edu if you are interested in enrolling.
Mariachi Centro de Oro
Mariachi Centro de Oro (MUS 238/438) is an auditioned group for experienced Mariachi musicians on the traditional instruments of violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, harp and voice. Members should be able to participate for a full year.
Mariachi Centro de Oro Audition Information
Auditions will be held in Room 212 of the McIntyre Music Building. Please sign up for an audition time on the sheet posted outside the door.
- Thursday, September 25, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, September 26, 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
- Monday, September 29, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Each audition will be 10 minutes. Please be prepared to demonstrate:
- A one-minute sample of your choice that you feel best displays your skills (rhythm, tone, range, facility, expressiveness)
- Your instrument/voice part (Violin I, Trumpet I) for the three pieces available below. You will be asked to play 1-2 minutes of one of these, chosen at the audition
- Sight-reading of a part in standard notation (staff or chord symbols/rhythmic notation as appropriate)
- A short segment of a song sung in Spanish, of your choice
Audition Excerpts:
Please fill out the information sheet (available outside Room 212 McIntyre) prior to your audition.
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