Berkner High School Musicians Making a Joyful Noise! 

An interview with Toby Jones Associate Di rector, BHS Orchestra/Mariachi  

Photos courtesy of Richardson ISD 

Please introduce our readers to the mariachi program at Berkner High School. 

 Berkner’s Mariachi Orgullo was formed in spring of 2022 as an after school program by Lydia Villarreal, the Orchestra director at the time. The following school year, Mariachi became a class.  

You use the term Orgullo. What does it mean and how is it used? 

 Orgullo means pride or proud. Mariachi Orgullo and BHS Mariachi are both commonly used descriptors for our ensemble. Mariachi Orgullo would be the name used when announcing the group. BHS Mariachi would be used in context around those that might not be familiar with what mariachi is.  

How many members are in the BHS Mariachi?  

We currently have 16 enrolled in the class with 30 actively participating in Mariachi at Berkner. However, preliminary enrollment numbers for next year indicate that we can expect to have more than 50 enrolled in Mariachi for 2025-2026. The word is out and the program has begun to recruit itself.  

At which RISD events does the group typically perform? Do they perform at events other than at RISD?  

Mariachi Orgullo’s first performance was at the first pep rally at Berkner HS, after which they received a thunderous review, resulting in a large number of students who wanted to join the group. Mariachi Orgullo has performed more than 30 times for various events: pep rallies, assemblies, elementary celebrations, birthdays, restaurants, “promposals” and more. I get a call or email at least once a week with new requests. 

 What recent major competition did the group recently win?  

Mariachi education in Texas has developed tremendously in the past 15 years alone. Band, orchestra, and choir UIL competitions have existed for several decades, whereas mariachi state UIL competitions have only existed since 2016. The 14 students from Mariachi Orgullo performed at the UIL Regional Mariachi Festival and earned a 1st division Superior rating. Considering the fact that four of the fourteen began learning the instrument they play just this year, it was an outstanding accomplishment. As a result of their performance, they advanced to the UIL State Mariachi Festival in Seguin, Texas. This competition marked the first time in RISD history for a mariachi to achieve a superior UIL rating and advance to the state level.  

Is this group the first of its kind in RISD? Whose idea was it to form the Mariachi? 

To my knowledge, an attempt was made to start a mariachi program 10-15 years ago. RISD Schoolboard member Debbie Rentería has played a huge role in the idea of bringing mariachi to RISD.  

What are the key instruments typically used in a mariachi ensemble?  

Mariachi instruments include violin, trumpet, harp, guitarron, vihuela, guitar and guitarra de golpe. These instruments are grouped into one of two roles: the melodia or the armonia (melody and rhythm). The violin and trumpet make up the melodia section and all the other instruments make up the armonia.  

Can you describe the role of the vocalist in a mariachi performance and how the voice interacts with the instruments? 

 In a mariachi ensemble, everyone sings at some point, whether they sing as a solo vocalist, harmonizing, or in a chorus. Part of our rehearsal every day involves vocal warmups and exercises for the entire group.  

What are some common themes or stories told in traditional mariachi songs?  

The best way I can describe the richness in stories told in mariachi music is to briefly describe what Mariachi Orgullo performed at UIL. The first song performed was specifically song, “Perfidia” by Alberto Dominguez, written for Mariachi Orgullo to musically introduce the ensemble to the audience.  

The Mariachi Orgullo Tema lyrics with translation:  

Spanish  

Ya llego, ya llego! Su Mariachi Orgullo! Tocando nuestra musica Por las calles de mi tierra Pa la gente mas linda y bella  

English  

We are here, we are here! Your Mariachi Orgullo! Playing our music, Through the streets of my land For the most beautiful people  

The second song they sang was “El Pueblo Nuevo” by Jose Hernandez, which shares the immense pride the singer has for his hometown. The third has the singer lamenting over the betrayal of a lover that has left him.  

How do different regions in Mexico influence the style and sound of mariachi music? Are there distinct variations in the music depending on where it’s performed? 

 I am not a mariachi historian in the least, but the more I have learned about the art, the more I have discovered that various mariachi styles are heavily influenced by and originate in certain regions in Mexico. One of the styles that we are required to play in competition is a “son jaliscience,” which is known to originate in Jalisco, Mexico. Many other styles of mariachi music exist, much like there are styles of jazz: swing, rock, blues, fusion and more. Mariachi has the son, ranchero, bolero, and huapango, to name a few. All of these styles, like jazz, can be identified by the rhythmic patterns presented by the armonia.  

What is the impact of having a mariachi program in your school and district?  

I like to say that mariachi bridges all the performing arts together in one accord. We have the trumpets from the band, the violins from the orchestra, and the vocalists from the choir, along with the movement, choreography, expression and storytelling that comes from theater. And Berkner HS counselors have approached me in awe of how mariachi is engaging some of their students that otherwise may not have had the opportunity for such a positive high school experience.