In a gen ed class that I was in last semester, we learned about Mexican folk music, and its many variations and features. More specifically, we covered Mariachi music, learning its history and evolution and listening to its music.
As someone who has had very little previous exposure to Mexican music and even more specifically Mariachi music, I wanted to dive in further and immerse myself in the music in a different environment. My prior exposure to Mariachi music has only been in certain Mexican restaurants when entertainment has been provided. From this I was familiar with the instruments played, the costumes worn, and the style of songs performed.
In an effort to expand my exposure and immerse myself further in the music, I attended a Church service in my town where every Sunday they have a Mariachi band present to perform songs throughout the church service. For me attending this church service was new in more ways than one. I personally am of Hindu faith, but I identify with God on a level that I believe to be deeper than just a religion or faith. However, I have attended one previous Catholic church service before and I was in choir for many years, so I am quite familiar with religious service music.
Being able to experience this performance was so eye-opening on even a level other than the chords sung and strummed. The Mariachi band was placed in the front of the church, just to the right of the altar but their presence overtook the spirits of those within. The music that they provided to the service instantly uplifted everyone and helped to create a sense of community. In an environment where people come together to be as one to pray before God, having an outlet to express their sentiment and pray to the lord was inspiring, tear-jerking, and beautiful to witness. As someone who initially felt so out of the place while attending this service, it was the music and its effect on the worshippers that helped me to feel welcome, accepted, and loved. It is this power of music that I was able to witness that showed me how truly special Mariachi music is.
In the church service, I felt that the music brought you along for the journey, this I believe is due to the fact that you are allowed and encouraged to participate in the music at the church. Mariachi music is so diverse in and of itself, containing upbeat and fast tempo music as well as more ballads and slow tempo pieces. Each piece contains a beautiful story and journey that you embark on with the performers and you take in every sensation, feeling, experience as you witness first-hand the story they are conveying. My experience with Mariachi music both inside and outside of the classroom has allowed me to gain a deeper love and respect for the music as well as understand its different qualities on a newer, more in-depth level.
