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What drew you to Mariachi and what do love about it?
Lorenzo:
Mariachi music is so very exciting in sound, rhythm, composition and overall impact on me and on those who are listening. Mariachi music transcends cultures and borders and brings about joy and a sense of unity. I love that it is part of the deep culture that comes from Mexico and lives throughout the world as played by practitioners and musicians of all cultures.
Priscilla:
My parents grew up in Peru, so from a young age I felt a strong connection to Latin American music — it felt like home to me. What I love most about performing Mariachi music is seeing how deeply it resonates with people; you can see the joy on their faces and feel how the music taps into meaningful moments from their lives.
When I joined Las Dahlias, I was so excited to be part of an all-female mariachi group. It felt like a powerful way to represent women in a genre where we haven’t always been visible. I’ve been continually inspired by the strength, passion, and support we offer each other.
Bob:
A few years back, while standing in the main, great plaza of Lima, Peru, I watched a small group of string musicians, draw an ever-growing crowd to them as they played. Mariachi music has this draw on people. It gathers them. It lifts their spirits.It is always a joyful sound. This is the magic of Mariachi.
What excites you about bringing youth students into the Mariachi tradition?
Lorenzo:
Teaching youth gives me an opportunity to help students succeed in life. It reaffirms the identity of Mexican, Latino, and Hispanic students, and promotes a sense of pride in their culture. It allows them to better understand their parents and grandparents and therefore, themselves. Teaching the youth opens doors to better self-conception and multicultural understanding and appreciation.
Priscilla:
Right now in Colorado, we have an incredible opportunity to expand access to mariachi for students, through a growing interest from both students and communities to see this music represented in schools. Growing up, I often felt a disconnect between classical music and music that reflected my own culture. But as I’ve explored mariachi more deeply, I’ve come to realize that these two genres don’t need to exist separately—we can and should teach them side by side. They complement each other, and each offers something unique to students’ musical education. What really excites me is watching students connect with music. When they see their own stories and heritage reflected in what they’re learning, they’re more engaged, more motivated, and more likely to stick with music. Mariachi creates a welcoming path into the music world.
Bob:
Teaching others to create and play music is a joy for me. Surprising students with theself-discovery of a new talent inside them, is my main goal.
Why Rocky Ridge?
Lorenzo:
Rocky Ridge provides an opportunity to share in the universal language of music across all cultures from a deeper cultural basis. Students and faculty learn together and grow together both personally and professionally. The sharing of music promotes the exchange of friendship without boundaries of class and status – rather, students and faculty can truly be united in the mission of music making. It is a universal good that occurs in the Rocky Ridge experience.
Priscilla:
What initially drew me to Rocky Ridge was the excitement of being part of one of the first mariachi summer camps in the nation. I loved creating a space where young mariachis across the state could finally come together. Rocky Ridge was a special opportunity to build that community. A lot of Mariachi students—even those who live in Colorado—haven’t had the chance to explore the mountains. Rocky Ridge gives them that experience. What I find most rewarding is seeing how Rocky Ridge helps students feel connected and motivated. It creates a sense of belonging and excitement around music, and I’ve loved seeing so many students return year after year.
Bob:
I like this quote: “When surrounded by forests, mountains and streams, I want to sing, play music and dance.” Rocky Ridge is just this type of place in which to work with others.