Imagine the vibrant sound of mariachi music filling your school campus. This session unlocks the secrets to building a thriving mariachi program from scratch. We'll explore everything from igniting initial excitement and securing resources to designing a captivating curriculum that incorporates instrumental instruction and vocal training. Join us and bring the joy of mariachi to your community!
Ricardo Martinez
- Biographical Information
Ricky Martinez is the Music Director at Buchser Middle School in Santa Clara, CA, where he leads a diverse program including three levels of band, two levels of orchestra, an extracurricular jazz band, and a mariachi program. A passionate advocate for mariachi education, Ricky has successfully founded and built mariachi programs at two different schools: LeyVa Middle School in San Jose and Buchser Middle School in Santa Clara. Both ensembles were the first mariachi courses in their respective district histories. His dedication to culturally relevant music education and fostering a strong musical culture has resulted in significant program growth across his various teaching roles, more than doubling student participation in previous positions. Beyond his work at Buchser, Ricky conducts an audition-based jazz orchestra for high school students with the non-profit San Jose Youth Symphony. Ricky holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a Master of Arts in Teaching, as well as a Critical Bilingual Authorization.