Mariachi Sherman
Sherman Heights Community Center Music Classes
Sherman Heights Community Center - Mariachi Violin
Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:15 to 6:00 pm at Sherman Heights Community Center, 2260 Island Avenue just east of downtown in San Diego, California.
Participants must be at least five years old and big enough for a quarter-sized violin. Currently students range from age 5 to adult. Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children.
4:15 - 4:50: Emphasis on beginning First year students. Second year students will help as mentors.
4:50 - 5:10: Break time. Students will be permitted to use the Community Center playground.
5:10 - 5:40: Emphasis on second year and intermediate level students. First year students will practice assignments during this period.
5:40 - 6:00: Repertoire lesson with all levels playing together. Instruction in performance etiquette and practice performing in front of others.
Students are encouraged to attend both days.
All students are required to have a personal commitment to learning to play the instrument - no one should be there because someone else thinks it's a good idea!
Facility in speaking Spanish is useful, but not required. Mariachi performances include the singing of songs in Spanish, and all the violinistas are expected to participate.
The classes are taught by Vykki Mende Gray, who is also the Artistic Director of the performing group called Los Californios which performs music from Mexican California. In addition to her original research about Spanish Language Social Music of 19th Century Southern California, Ms. Mende Gray is also the author of Kenny Hall's Music Book, published by Mel Bay Publications.
There is no charge for the classes, but students are encouraged to supply their own instruments. The Community Center has arranged for purchase of instruments at a greatly reduced price through the Double Eagle.
Please call the office at 619-232-5181 for details on registering for the class or for purchasing an instrument.
Francisco Guerrero