On Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. in the Music Recital Hall, Mariachi Los Broncos accompanied by Los Caballeros took the stage wearing their charro suits of green and yellow, enthusiastic to perform the music they love so dearly.
Mariachi is a type of music genre which originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and has been officially established since the early 1900s. It consists of a band with the instruments of the violin, the vihuela and the guitarron.
According to the history and mission statement on the pamphlet provided by the groups, the ensembles look to bring the community together through the love of mariachi. “Both mariachi ensembles are composed of students who represent our tolerance, respect and solidarity through musical expression and artistry.”
(Christina Manuel | The Poly Post)
Jesus Esquer, a second-year agribusiness student, played the vihuela. He said that, to him, mariachi is a lifestyle.
“Being outside of Mexico, and being dressed as a mariachi is something to be proud of, to be honest,” Esquer said.
“We are pretty much bringing a piece of Mexico to the world.”
The concert began with Mariachi Los Caballeros singing “Las Aguitas,” along with “La Llorona” and “La Arana.” Soon after, they were joined by Mariachi Los Broncos to sing “El Caballito” together.
Before each song, the director of the mariachi ensembles, Jessie M. Vallejo, gave a small introduction to the meaning, making an interaction with the audience.
Vallejo asked audience members to practice their “grito,” keeping the crowd entertained as they attempted to do the Mexican interjection that is very common in mariachi music.
For the song “Serenata,” Vallejo explained that Lupita Infante is pushing boundaries and challenging feminine stereotypes.
“It’s not normal for a woman to serenade a man,” Vallejo said.
A serenade has traditionally been known to be performed by a male to express his love and admiration for a female.
However, times are changing and Vallejo explains that a woman could do it too.
She then asked the men in the room to stand if they wished to be serenaded and proceeded with the song.
As soon as it was over, there was excitement and a strong crowd reaction. A man in the crowd yelled, “Gracias!” meaning thank you in Spanish.
The ensemble then closed with “Jilguerillo” as its closing. And the crowd stood for a loud standing ovation and began to chant “otra, otra, otra,” meaning another, another, another (or encore).
Luckily, there was time for one more song. Vallejo called out Los Caballeros again and together they sang “Las Mañanitas.”
The concert was short and sweet, leaving the audience wanting more.
Another chance to see the ensemble perform will be at the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Friday Nov. 1, located at the Bronco Commons.