Rowland Unified School District
Instructors: Mariachi Program Director – Mr. Gerard Gonzales
Email – ggonzales@[Link]
Mr. Humberto Talavera & Miss Nathaly Talavera
Courses: Melodia (Melody)
Instruments: Violin
Armonia (Rhythm)
Instruments: Guitar Vihuela Guitaron
Course Scope:
Each one-year course is designed for any 4th-6th grade elementary student who is interested in developing the
ability to play guitar, vihuela, guitaron or violin. The emphasis will be on having fun by playing and singing
Mariachi music for your friends and family members.
The courses will focus on the basic fundamental techniques of playing an instrument, reading music, and singing.
Students will demonstrate mastery of their skills throughout the year during in class performances and public
concerts. Students will focus on developing a characteristic tone and style consistent with each instrument and
song. Each course may be repeated and is considered a preparatory course for progression into one of the
Mariachi performing ensembles.
This is a program where students will meet with the instructor during regular class time two times a week for 30
minutes. Students are responsible for any work missed during class-time and must maintain passing grades to
participate.
Students currently participating in each course are eligible to participate in either the Beginning or Advanced
Mariachi Performing Ensembles.
NORTHAM Weekly Class Times:
Monday 1:00pm – 1:30pm Melodia (Violin)
1:30pm – 2:00pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
Wednesday 12:30pm – 1:30pm Melodia (Violin)
Thursday 11:30a.m. – 12:00pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
HURLEY Weekly Class Times:
Wednesday 1:30pm – 2:00pm Melodia (Violin)
2:00pm – 2:30pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
Friday 1:30pm – 2:00pm Melodia (Violin)
2:00pm – 2:30pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
VILLACORTA Weekly Class Times:
Tuesday 11:30am – 12:00pm Melodia (Violin)
12:00pm –12:30pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
Thursday 1:30pm – 2:00pm Melodia (Violin)
2:00pm – 2:30pm Armonia (Guitar, Vihuela, Guitaron)
Supplies and Instruments
There are a limited amount of RUSD instruments for students to use. Students will be issued instruments
based on their participation in rehearsals and classes. Instruments will be available for students to use
during class but may not be able to be taken home each day. An annual $50.00 donation per instrument
is requested to help maintain/repair the instruments. Students and parents should ask Mr. Gonzales or
Mr. Talavera for recommendations when purchasing an instrument. Renting instruments is
recommended as the students are growing. The size of each student determines the size of the
instrument they should use. Students should also have a soft cloth in their case to wipe off and polish
the instrument after each rehearsal.
Book
The students will be using the ¡ Simplemente Mariachi ! Book 1 for violin, guitar, vihuela or guitarron for
practice and class. The books may be purchased at Singer Music in Hacienda Heights or Sam Ash in the
City of Industry.
Performance Ensemble Rehearsals
Tuesday & Thursday 3:00 – 5:00pm at Hurley Elementary School
***Rehearsals will begin on September 22nd***
Students interested in participating in the performing ensembles must commit to attending all
rehearsals and performances throughout the year. The performing ensembles play at many different
district and community events throughout the year.
Students may be divided into two performing groups by skill level and instrumentation in order to create
balanced performing groups.
Students who would like to participate in the performing groups must enroll in the weekly pullout
program at their school to learn the basic fundamentals of performing on each instrument and reading
music.
Trajes / Concert Attire
There is a limited number of District owned Trajes available for performing students.
If a student is not assigned a full Traje they will need to wear black dress pants, white button up, collared
long sleeve shirt, black boots and a mono .
Full Trajes will be assigned to students who demonstrate a positive attitude, work ethic and
commitment to the program by attending all rehearsals and performances. Getting to wear a full Traje is
an honor that will be earned by each student.
Rowland Unified School District
APPLICATION FOR ELEMENTARY MARIACHI ACADEMY
School: __________________________ Teacher: ___________________ Rm #: ______ Grade: ______
Student’s Name: ______________________________________________________________________
(Last) (First) (Initial)
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
Mother’s Name: _________________________________________ Email_________________________
(Last) (First)
Home Phone: (______)_________-_____________ Cell Phone: (______)_________-______________
Father’s Name: _________________________________________ Email__________________________
(Last) (First)
Home Phone: (______)_________-_____________ Cell Phone: (______)_________-______________
Would you like to be a parent volunteer? Yes No
Program: (Select one) Beginning Mariachi Intermediate Mariachi
Did you participate in the Mariachi program last year? Yes No
Please check one instrument student would like to play:
Violin Guitar Vihuela Guitaron
Do you need an instrument? Yes No
Photo Release: Some of the performances throughout the year are photographed and/or video taped,
and may be published on our website or the RUSD Instrumental Music Facebook page. Please let us
know if we may include photos or videos that may include your child. Names are never associated with
the photos.
Yes, I give permission for my child to be photographed and/or video taped.
No, I do not give permission for my child to be photographed or video taped.
Student Behavior Contract
I, ___________________________ agree to work hard be nice and to follow the instructions of any
teacher or adult helping with Mariachi. I will do my very best to attend all rehearsals and performances.
I will have a positive attitude and will cooperate with other students. Each student plays a very
important role in the performance ensemble. I will respect other student’s hard work and commitment.
Student Signature: _______________________ Parent’s Signature_____________________________
PLEASE RETURN APPLICATION TO YOUR CHILD’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.
