BEGINNING MARIACHI

 This guitar class is for beginners with no previous experience playing guitar. Students will learn the basic skills and information required for playing guitar, as well as music theory, mariachi history and how to sing in Spanish while playing guitar. Mariachi students will perform simple songs, take field trips to hear live music, and will perform on the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May. Students can rent an instrument (approx. $75) or provide their own classical guitar. They will also buy a music book and t-shirt to keep (approx. $35). These classes are a great way to learn to play an instrument, read music, sing and prepare for Advanced Mariachi. Students will be graded on class participation and attendance at all required rehearsals and performances, as well as their playing ability. Fine Arts credit is awarded after successfully completing the class.
 

Prerequisite: Audition

ADVANCED MARIACHI

This class is by audition only and is intended for experienced musicians who sing and play violin, trumpet, vihuela, guitarrón or guitar. Advanced students will learn to perform a range of mariachi music including standard songs and newer hits by popular singers like Vicente Fernandez. Advanced students are required to attend many performances and rehearsals throughout the year. They will also take field trips to hear live music, and in addition to performing at UIL Festivals and on the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May they will also be required to perform several times in the community and at festivals in the evenings & on weekends. Students can rent an instrument (approx. $75) or provide their own. Trajes, sombreros and belts will be provided by GPISD for high school students; students are required to buy their own mariachi t-shirt, shirt/blouse, moño (plus hair bow for ladies), and boots for the full mariachi traje (approx. $100). Students will be graded on class participation and their playing ability as well as their attendance at all required performances and rehearsals. Fine Arts credit is awarded after successfully completing the class, and additional Fine Arts or elective credit is awarded for repeating the class.