Performers take their place on stage in Vance Brand Civic Auditorium at Skyline High School, with violins, guitar, trumpets, guitarrón, and even the occasional harp or accordion. But it’s not until the singer steps to the center stage and calls out their “grito” that the Colorado State Mariachi Festival kicks off.
This year marked the third annual festival, sponsored by Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) and hosted at Skyline High School. The one-day festival included performances from St. Vrain Valley Schools groups at every level: Indian Peaks Elementary, Sunset Middle, Frederick High, Skyline High, Longmont High, and Niwot High, as well as groups from Denver, Yuma, Salida, and more.
“The festival not only provides a state-wide recognition and celebration of mariachi as an important part of school music programs in Colorado, but it also gives a stage for these groups to see one another performing,” says Brian Crim, Orchestra and Mariachi Teacher at Skyline High School and event organizer. Historically, there have not been many opportunities for student mariachi ensembles to perform outside their buildings, and many groups across the state may be the only ones in their immediate area, which is one of the primary reasons this festival was created: to bring groups together to learn from one another.
Groups performed up to 3 songs each, then received individualized feedback from clinicians, who are professional performers and instructors. Included in the day’s schedule was also a performance from the group Mariachi Las Dahlias, Colorado’s premier all-female mariachi ensemble.
“The top aim of this festival has always been to build the overall community of mariachi in Colorado’s public education,” says Crim.
Statewide, mariachi programming in K-12 education has been growing, as classes, clubs, and after-school groups have steadily increased over the past few years. This growth is reflected in the festival’s participation and in new programs such as a Mariachi degree program introduced at Metropolitan State University last fall. Mariachi’s appeal to students lies in its blend of orchestra, musical skill, performance, tradition, and cultural celebration.
