News Summary
In Anaheim, José Hernández, a key figure in mariachi music, celebrated his 50-year journey during the 14th annual Mariachi Nationals & Summer Institute. The event hosted over 100 students nationwide, emphasizing teamwork and cultural pride. Notably, workshops were led by talented musicians, including Hernández’s daughter, ensuring the tradition of mariachi music thrives despite financial challenges. The event culminated in a showcase performance, highlighting the growth and connection formed among young musicians. Hernández’s commitment continues to inspire the next generation and preserves Mexican cultural heritage.
Anaheim, California – José Hernández, a prominent figure in mariachi music, recently celebrated 50 years of dedication to the genre during the 14th annual Mariachi Nationals & Summer Institute held at Betsy Ross Elementary School. Hernández, a resident of Newport Beach, is the founder and director of the Grammy-nominated mariachi group Maríachi Sol de México. His contributions to the art form include two Grammy nominations for Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, notable for being the first all-female mariachi group in the United States.
This year’s Mariachi Nationals saw more than 100 students from across the United States, including participants from New York, Texas, and Las Vegas, engage in workshops led by renowned mariachi musicians, including Hernández’s daughter, Crystal Hernández, a seasoned mariachi artist and instructor. His family legacy in mariachi music dates back to the 1700s, with Hernández drawing inspiration from a musical upbringing where his father was a violinist and his five older brothers were successful mariachi musicians.
The workshops at this year’s institute focused not only on musical techniques but also emphasized teamwork, cultural pride, and the importance of preserving the mariachi tradition. Hernández, who also founded the Mariachi Rams, the official mariachi group of an NFL team, has aimed to instill a sense of pride in Mexican heritage for the younger generation of musicians.
Despite financial challenges due to recent funding cuts from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mariachi Nationals garnered support from local sponsors such as Conn Selmer, Mariachi Depot, and the Anaheim Elementary School District. The school district, which promotes music education across its institutions, continues to back the mariachi program, ensuring its ongoing success.
Crystal Hernández, who began participating at the Mariachi Nationals as a student at the age of 12, has since returned to teach, conducting violin workshops and sharing insights from her early experiences. She described the Mariachi Nationals as an integral component of summer, highlighting the connections formed between young musicians and their families through the tradition of mariachi music.
The culmination of the Mariachi Nationals included a showcase performance where student groups performed traditional songs, demonstrating their progress and the skills learned throughout the program. This aspect of the event serves to reinforce the idea that the experience goes beyond simple music education, fostering relationships and a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage among participants.
José Hernández’s firm commitment to mariachi music reflects his desire to inspire future generations while preserving a vibrant aspect of Mexican culture. Through his ongoing efforts in education and performance, he continues to ensure that mariachi music remains an essential part of the musical landscape and a source of pride for those who participate in it.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy: Striking the Right Chord
- LA Times: Mariachi Nationals Summer Institute
- LA Times: OC Student Alarmed by Funding Cuts
- Newport Beach Indy: Mariachi
- OC Register: Mariachi Twins
- Wikipedia: Mariachi
- Google Search: Mariachi music
- Google Scholar: mariachi education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mariachi
- Google News: Mariachi music
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COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
