K.O. Knudson Mariachi

K.O. Knudson's Award Winning Mariachi Program offers students the unique opportunity to study mariachi music and history through their very own mariachi program. With a positive and fun learning environment this program is geared towards teaching students music in an ethnic form known as Mariachi!!

But what is Mariachi?

Mariachi is the best known form of folk music from Mexico. The name refers to the music, the musicians and the band or orchestras that play it. Mariachi began as a regional folk style song called "Son Jaliscience" in the center west of Mexico. Today mariachi ensembles are composed of mostly string instruments with only the trumpet representing a wind instrument.

The Guitarron (a six string acoustic bass instrument) provides the bass element of the ensemble.

The Vihuela (a five string round back acoustic small guitar) provides an alto pitched rhythmic component.

The Guitar (standard acoustic classical guitar) also provides a rhythmic component but in a tenor voice.

The Violin and trumpet serve as the melody instruments.

And last but not least the voices, solo vocalists along with choral singing complete the Mariachi sound.

What makes mariachi education so unique?

It gives students an opportunity to study an instrument, as well as receive vocal training.