Fall 2026 Classes
What to Expect in a Mariachi Sectional
A mariachi sectional is a focused rehearsal where students work with other musicians who play the same or similar instruments. Sectionals give students the opportunity to strengthen their individual skills while learning the musical parts that come together to create a strong mariachi ensemble.
What May Happen During a Sectional
Instrument-Specific Instruction
Students will work on techniques specific to their instrument, such as bowing and articulation for violins, strumming patterns for guitar and vihuela, bass lines and rhythm for guitarrón, trumpet tone and articulation, or harp technique and accompaniment patterns.
Learning & Practicing Parts
Students may learn their individual mariachi parts, including melodies, harmonies, bass lines, rhythms, introductions, endings, and musical accents.
Learning by Ear
Students will be encouraged to develop the traditional mariachi skill of learning music by ear. Instructors may play or sing a musical phrase for students to listen to, repeat, and memorize.
Reading Music
Students may also practice reading sheet music, identifying rhythms, notes, dynamics, and musical markings within their assigned parts.
Rhythm & Ensemble Skills
Students will practice staying together, counting, listening to other sections, and understanding how their part fits into the overall arrangement.
Singing & Musical Expression
Depending on the sectional, students may practice vocal parts, lyrics, phrasing, harmonies, or the expressive style used in mariachi music.
Repetition & Refinement
Students should expect to repeat challenging passages several times. Sectionals are a place to slow things down, correct mistakes, and build confidence before bringing the music back to the full ensemble.
Come Ready to Participate
Students should bring their instrument, music, pencil, and water and come prepared to listen, participate, and try new things. Mistakes are part of learning!
The purpose of a sectional is not only to learn notes—it is to develop musicianship, discipline, confidence, listening skills, and an understanding of the mariachi tradition. Students will leave sectionals better prepared to contribute to the full mariachi ensemble.
Also include the following schedules for each instrument.
Vihuela/Guitar/Guitarron/Harp : Mondays, 6-7:15pm
Trumpets : Wednesday, 4-5:15pm
Violins : Mondays, 4-6pm
Group rehearsal : Tuesday’s 4-6pm