Preface

Simplemente Mariachi!
The simple method for teaching the vibrant music of the Mariachi tradition

Based on the National Content Standards for Music Education

Students begin playing on day one of instruction
Extremely user-friendly with clearly stated lessons on uncluttered pages
Skills that students are expected to know and be able to demonstrate are identified
Detailed instructional pictures and fingering charts for each instrument are included
New concepts and vocabulary are presented in separate text boxes
Specific Strategies for Success are provided for effective teaching and student learning
Designed to be used in a variety of learning settings
Excellent resource for community based organizations
Suitable for first year study with elementary, middle, and high school students or with adults

The Singing Tradition: Mariachi History- Historia de Mariachi is included

in both teacher and student books. The authors
Since it is characteristic for Mariachis to
believe that students should learn about the rich
sing as well as play, each lesson includes
traditions associated with this genre as well as
vocal material.
the music itself.
Easy-to-learn Spanish lyrics with English
translation add another dimension to the Standards-based Lesson Plans for school
lessons. classroom settings are included as PDFs on
the teacher edition CD. These can serve as
A pronunciation guide is provided at the the core of the required school district lesson
end of the teacher and student books.
documentation.
Mariachi Repertoire:
Students are introduced to
original and standard mariachi
repertoire. 2-3 Trumpets
1 Harp
Various mariachi song forms,
based upon specific rhythmic 1 Guitarron
6-7 Violins
combinations, are presented. 1 Vihuela
Armonia
By the end of the Level I book, Melodia (Rhythm section) 1 Guitar
students can be expected to
play songs made up of the notes Although the learning settings will vary, this is the standard
of the G, D, C, and F scales for instrumentation found in the modern Mariachi ensemble.
strings and A, E, D, and G for
trumpet.

FREE INTRODUCTORY MENC MARIACHI MEMBERSHIP

Simply complete the tear-out application included in the Appendix and mail it to:
MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191.

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 Lesson 6 (student book page 9)

What To Do
1. Review fingerings for G, F#, E, D, and C
(strings); A, G#, F#, E, and D (trumpet).
2. Review time signatures.
New Note B
3. Introduce 3/4 time signature. (C# for Trumpets)
4. Introduce the dotted half note.
Trumpet
5. Introduce the whole note and whole rest
1 2 3
in 3/4 time.
6. Introduce fingerings for B (strings); C#
C# (trumpet). 1-2-3
7. Violin - Introduce the High 2nd Finger Violin
Placement (H2FP). GDAE

8. Introduce Vals (Waltz) form.

9. Play all the songs.
B
10. Sing and play El Primero Vals. H2FP
Guitar
EADGBE

Dotted Half Note a half note followed

by a dot.
B
1 dotted half note ( h. ) = 3 beats = q q q 2
A whole rest or whole note in 3/4 time = 3
beats and takes up a whole measure. Vihuela
= 3 beats in each measure ADGBE
= quarter note or rest gets 1 beat

Waltz song or dance in 3/4 time. B

2
Dynamic - p (piano) = soft.

Left Guitarron
thumb
T
Strategies for Success
Always ensure that instruments are B ADGCEA
properly tuned before class begins. TP2
Insist that students use the proper Pull with right thumb
finger positions, hand placements,
and thumb placements to enforce
playing in tune.

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