By Alondra Tamayo, Nov. 19, 2024
Hard work, sweat and sacrifices are put into practice by the directors and student members of Cal Poly Pomona’s Mariachi Los Broncos. As a result, the band of Spanish string instruments, ethereal voices, trumpets, a flute and a harp held a grand fall recital of timeless renditions at the Music Recital Hall Nov. 12.
The event featured performances by CPP’s folkloric dance group, Zapateando del Corazon and an off-campus mariachi band, Los Caballeros.
The music department and mariachi directors Jessie M. Vallejo and Francisco Hernandez organizes the event every semester, where student members can express their love and talent for music. According to the band’s mission statement, the goal of the recital is to promote respect, tolerance and solidarity through musical expression.
This recital was in preparation since August. In just three months, Vallejo and Hernandez organized this event with much thought and meaning, including choosing songs based on how well they would pair with the singer.
“I pick some of this music based on different musicians I thought I could highlight,” Vallejo said.
“El Becerro” was the closing song of the concert. The traditional piece was recently re-recorded by Mariachi Los Camperos, a Grammy Award-winning mariachi band based in Los Angeles. It was the last song re-recorded by Juan Jimenez, a group member who has a personal connection with Vallejo and served as her mentor.
“When the album was released, so many mariachis were so emotional because we get to hear his voice one more time,” Vallejo said.
The song “El Becerro” played a considerable role in the performance. While it holds deep emotional significance for the performers and the mariachi community, this song deliberately honored Jimenez’s legacy, whose kindness and generosity had a lasting impact on many, according to Vallejo.
“That was one of the songs I picked,” Vallejo said. “I don’t care how difficult this is, we are doing it, and I believe its the one we sound the best in.”
Beyond “El Becerro,” 15 other songs were performed, including traditional ones like “Si Nos Dejan,” classic rancheros like “Tristes Recuerdos” and a classical instrumental piece, “España Cañí.”
Not only were Spanish songs included in the program. A mariachi version of “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus gave the pop song a new twist.
Throughout the night, singing performances by student members showcased the love, passion and beauty they feel toward the music.
Mariachi Los Broncos violin player and CPP student Coral Nuño spent hours practicing on-campus and off-campus, demonstrating her dedication toward the concert.
The rapid pace of rehearsals with each song requiring a distinct level of skill and attention, added pressure to an already intense preparation process. Despite the stress and long hours dedicated to prepare for the concert, Nuño’s commitment to mastering the songs highlighted the dedication and passion shared by the entire band.
Nuño performed in every song with her violin and sang in two songs, including a solo of the Spanish song “La Bruja.” With eagerness and excitement, Nuño hit every note with clarity and smoothly transitioned between singing and playing the violin.
Before the performance, Nuño dedicated the last hours to practicing, receiving support from her bandmates and Vallejo wherever she sought to improve.
“This performance means a lot to me too, because it just shows everybody that you dont need to speak Spanish, you don’t need to be Mexican, Latino or Latina to be part of a mariachi,” Nuño said. “It’s all about learning about more cultures, sharing with people a part of my culture. That’s really special to me.”
Despite the obstacles and challenges faced near the concert, Nuño’s hard work and dedication resulted in a beautiful performance.
Audience member Eduardo Sanchez described the performance as “soul-shaking,” leaving goosebumps down his body.
“Every song, every note, every instrument harmonized beautifully together,” Sanchez said. “It took me back to when I was younger and heard mariachi play for the first time.”
For many, including student performers like Nuño, the recital was more than just a semester performance; it was an opportunity to share a part of their heritage and prove that mariachi music transcends language, ethnicity and background.
As the recital hall filled with applause after each performance, it was clear the hard work done by both students and directors left the audience with the band’s main goal: enjoyment. The Mariachi Los Broncos fall recital showcased incredible musical talent and honored the bonds that music fosters within a diverse and passionate community.
Feature Image Courtesy of Nancy Navarro
*Contributions from Nancy Navarro*
