Mariachi Ensemble

LBC’s Mariachi Ensemble is a robust year-round program serving over 70 students which focuses on much more than music. Led by LBC’s Music Specialist, José Soto, students learn critical social and emotional skills including perseverance, leadership, cooperation, and collaboration in addition to technique, musicianship, and stage presence through the lens of mariachi. Participants, who range in age from 10 – 18, come from communities around Sonoma County including Cloverdale, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, and Rohnert Park.

Students participate in one of the Center’s annual three-week Mariachi Camps prior to becoming part of the year-round program and join one of three levels of classes: Beginning, Intermediate, or Advanced. Students must maintain a ‘B’ average at school, attend bi- and tri-weekly classes regularly, and complete assignments regularly. The no-cost program provides all supplies needed, including the use of an instrument. Uniforms, called trajes, are also provided to the popular Advanced Ensemble which performs at a wide range of community events.