Brigham Young University’s Mariachi los Pumas brought their dancing, salsa rhythm down to Southern Utah on Thursday and Friday, March 14-15. Over the two days, the mariachi band performed in school assemblies for Panguitch, Escalante and Bryce Valley elementary schools.
It was Bryce Valley who originally booked the band for a visit. The elementary school, over the past five or so years, has experienced an influx of students from Mexico. Katie Beesley, the music teacher at Bryce Valley Elementary School, wanted to do something special to involve the latin community there.
Katie had a connection with the mariachi band, so she invited them down to BVE. She also asked the other schools if they would be willing to give the band some stage time. Everyone said yes!
The Mariachis Bring the Party
The show was about 45 minutes long. Members of the band taught the kids about different instruments in a mariachi band. This year Mariachi los Pumas has one guitarron, which is a huge guitar that acts as the bass instrument; one vihuela, a mini guitar; three or four violins and two trumpets. Four different band members sang solos.
The performance also included an interactive lesson in mariachi ‘gritos,’ which is the Spanish word for yell or shout. And, of course, they performed a number of well-known songs to the Mexican community.
Did the kids like it? “Totally,” said Katie. “They totally loved it.”
Though hesitant at first, the elementary schoolers quickly learned that Mariachi is all about participation. Pretty soon they were up dancing, singing along as best they could, and yelling ‘gritos’ to the music. And, at least at Bryce Valley, “it was like a rock party!” said Katie.
Bryce Valley, Panguitch and Escalante elementary schools each enjoyed this opportunity to experience different cultures in such a fun way.
A Little History of the Mariachi Band and Mariachi los Pumas
Mariachi bands themselves have been around since at least the mid-1800s, possibly longer. They are distinctly Mexican, giving rise to the belief that they are a mix of Indigenous folk traditions and those of the Spanish settlers in Mexico. Typically, Mariachi bands could be seen at weddings, baptisms and even funerals, which accounts for the large variety of tones in Mariachi music.
BYU’s mariachi band will play for pretty much anyone who will listen. They’ve played their own concerts, cultural events, 6th grade graduations, assemblies and weddings. The band’s talented musicians come and go, but the songs they love to play and spirit of the band never die!
Mariachi los Pumas brought such a fun atmosphere to Garfield County’s elementary schools. All we can do is beg them to come right back again — perhaps they will serenade the neighboring counties and let them know what they’re missing.
– The Byway
Feature image caption: Escalante students look on as BYU’s Mariachi los Pumas teaches them about the different parts of a mariachi band. Courtesy of AJ Martel, The Byway.