Mariachi music is synonymous with Mexican culture, and behind every great Mariachi song is a talented group of musicians dedicated to keeping the tradition alive. Whether it’s during celebrations, festivals, or concerts, Mariachi groups play a pivotal role in bringing this traditional music to life. In this blog, we’ll explore ten of the best Mariachi groups and highlight one iconic song from each. These songs have been selected by pBone Music ambassador Ramón Rivera and are perfect for educators looking to introduce students to Mariachi music in the classroom.
What Instruments Feature in a Mariachi Group?
A typical Mariachi ensemble includes the trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela, and the guitarrón. The vihuela is a traditional five-string guitar and the guitarrón is a large fretless guitar that adds bass and depth to the music’s rhythm section. Groups often include singers and harps, and the number of performers can vary depending on the ensemble or the pieces that are being performed.
Top Ten Mariachi Groups and Their Best Songs
Here’s a list of top Mariachi groups and some of their iconic songs that can be incorporated into classroom lessons. Each song offers a unique sound, helping students appreciate the variety and depth within the Mariachi genre.
Educators can use Mariachi groups as a way to teach students not only about music but also about Mexican history, traditions, and the evolution of this rich cultural art form. And because these songs are educator-approved, you can be assured that everything is appropriate for use in the classroom. Thanks, Ramón Rivera!
This blog contains the ten tracks and their YouTube links, or download the Top Ten Mariachi Groups playlist on Spotify.
1. El Pajaro Cu by Mariachi Cobre
Based in the United States, Mariachi Cobre has become one of the most well-known and respected Mariachi groups. Their song “El Pájaro Cu” is an upbeat, joyful tune that showcases the group’s musical precision and energy. It’s perfect for introducing students to traditional Mariachi rhythms, with lively violin and trumpet sections.
2. El Cascabel by Mariachi Sol De Mexico De Jose Hernandez
Founded by the renowned Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico is one of the most prominent Mariachi ensembles today. Their version of “El Cascabel” is a powerful and fast-paced song that highlights the technical skills of the group. This song is excellent for teaching students about fast tempos, intricate rhythms, and the art of playing in harmony. Jose Hernandez features in many of our other Hispanic Heritage Month resources!
3. El gustito by Mariachi Los Camperos
Mariachi Los Camperos is a Grammy Award-winning group known for their dedication to preserving the traditional sounds of Mariachi. “El gustito” is a lively, celebratory song that is ideal for classroom discussions about regional Mexican music styles. With its vibrant melodies, this song offers an engaging way to teach rhythm and timing and is a perfect song for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with your students.
4. Pajarillo by Mariachi Reyna De Los Angeles
As the first all-female Mariachi group, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles has made waves in a traditionally male-dominated genre. Their song “Pajarillo” is a beautiful example of how female voices and musicianship have shaped the modern Mariachi scene. This song can spark discussions about gender roles in music and the cultural significance of women in Mariachi groups.
5. Sones 2 by Mariachi Herencia De Mexico
Mariachi Herencia de Mexico represents the next generation of Mariachi musicians, made up of young artists passionate about preserving their heritage. Their rendition of “Sones 2” showcases their talent and dedication to the Mariachi tradition. This song is a perfect way to introduce students to the various styles within Mariachi, as it blends different regional influences.
6. Mi Llano Grande by Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio
Known for their rich harmonies and traditional sounds, Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio delivers a standout performance with “Mi Llano Grande”. This song’s slow tempo and emotive melody make it an excellent teaching tool for exploring how Mariachi music can express a wide range of emotions, from joy to nostalgia.
7. El Toro Relajo by Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea
Mariachi Divas is another trailblazing all-female Mariachi group, led by Cindy Shea. Their version of “El Toro Relajo” is lively and energetic, featuring sharp trumpet solos and dynamic vocals. This track can be used to teach about the structure of Mariachi songs and how they often tell stories through music and lyrics.
8. Popurri Alejandro Fernandez by Mariachi Los Toros
Mariachi Los Toros has gained a reputation for their creative medleys, like “Popurrí Alejandro Fernández”, which is a tribute to one of Mexico’s most beloved singers. This medley combines several songs into one performance, showcasing the versatility and range of the group. It’s perfect for exploring how pop music influences Mariachi (and vice versa).
9. Mi Soledad by Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara
One of Mexico’s most prestigious groups, Mariachi Internacional Guadalajara is known for their deep connection to traditional Mariachi music. “Mi Soledad” is a slow, soulful ballad that highlights the emotional depth of the genre. This song is perfect for teaching students about the role of emotions in music and how instrumentalists convey feelings through their playing.
10. El Nuevo Huapango by Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán
Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán has been at the forefront of innovation in the Mariachi world, blending modern sounds with traditional roots. Their song “El Nuevo Huapango” is a fast-paced, rhythmic piece that showcases the group’s technical skill and ability to innovate within the genre. This song is ideal for exploring how Mariachi music continues to evolve while remaining true to its cultural heritage.
Teacher Tips for Using Mariachi Music in the Classroom
Here are a few ways to incorporate these Mariachi groups and their songs into your classroom lessons:
- Instrument Exploration: Have students listen to the different songs and identify the instruments used in each. Discuss how the trumpet, violin, guitar, vihuela and guitarrón each contribute to the unique sound of Mariachi music.
- Group Research Projects: Assign students a group from the list and have them research its history, members, and contributions to the Mariachi genre. This can lead to class presentations where students share their findings and discuss how each group has shaped the evolution of Mariachi.
- Cultural Discussions: Use the songs as a way to discuss the cultural significance of Mariachi music in Mexico and the United States. Talk about how the genre has evolved over time and how it continues to be an important symbol of Mexican identity.
- Performance and Interpretation: If possible, encourage students to perform a simplified version of one of the songs, focusing on rhythm, melody, and harmony. Non-instrumentalists and younger learners can engage in interpretive movement or rhythm exercises that reflect the mood and tempo of the music.
- Comparative Listening: Play different songs from the list and ask students to compare and contrast the styles, tempos, and emotions conveyed. Discuss how different groups interpret similar styles and how the music can vary between regions and ensembles.
Introducing students to these top Mariachi groups is a great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month while teaching them about the rich cultural and musical traditions of Mexico. From the innovative sounds of Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán to the trailblazing performances of Mariachi Divas, these groups offer a diverse range of styles and influences, perfect for classroom learning and cultural exploration.
- Head to the pBone Music Mariachi page to discover even more Mariachi resources and info.
- The trumpet features heavily in Mariachi groups, so be sure to listen to our top ten Mariachi Trumpet tracks.
- Mariachi and trumpet go hand-in-hand. Find out more about our beginner trumpet, pTrumpet.
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