Music

Mariachi Auditions/Enrollment

CPP has 2 Mariachi Ensembles and depending on student interest, small combos of other regional styles (e.g., banda, norteño, sierreño, etc.).
  • All students are asked to play an instrument and sing.
  • Beginners through advanced are welcome.
  • Knowledge of Spanish is not required.
  • Course listing:
    • MU 3580A-01 – T/Th 5pm-6pm
    • MU 4990L-01 – T/Th 6pm-7:45pm
  • Email Dr. Jessie Vallejo for more info: jmvallejo@cpp.edu
  • Learn more about us on Instagram @CPPMariachi

It is recommended that if students enroll in Music of Mexico MU 3110 (a lecture-style survey class of Mexican and Central American music), they also enroll in one of the performance ensembles as well.

Students who are new to mariachi music or have limited experience with singing, instrumental playing, or both, may enroll in Mariachi Los Caballeros (MU 3580A, Section 02), which focuses on beginning mariachi techniques, repertoire, and style. An audition is not required, but everyone will need to practice an instrument and sing in the class.

If you are interested in joining Mariachi Los Broncos de Pomona (MU 3580A, Section 01), please contact Dr. Vallejo to arrange an audition. Email her at jmvallejo(a)cpp(dot)edu. Appointments should be scheduled the quarter prior to when you would like to enroll, or at the latest, the first week of the quarter in which you would like to enroll.

For Los Broncos auditions, students should be prepared to perform:

      • one fast song or piece of music (played or sung; preferably memorized)
      • one slow song or piece of music (played or sung; preferably memorized)
      • Major and minor scales up to two octaves and up to three sharps and three flats (played or sung; preferably memorized)

Everyone will be asked to perform on an instrument and sing at the audition.

If any of the requirements are new to you (e.g., reading sheet music), schedule a meeting with Dr. Vallejo.

For Los Broncos, students should demonstrate technical facility on their main instrument (or on voice), as well as a combination of strong aural skills (learning by ear) and experience with note reading.

For Los Broncos and Los Caballeros, knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not required. Knowledge of baile folklórico is also helpful but not required.