The California Lutheran University Mariachi Ensemble held its annual performance in Samuelson Chapel on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Conducted by Adjunct Faculty and Director of the Mariachi Ensemble Rocio Marron, the ensemble had a set list of 11 songs, performed by 17 students.
This year, senior violinist Samantha Hernandez had folklorico dancers perform alongside her.
“[Hernandez] asked if she could dance with her group, so we were happy to feature her in this concert,” Marron said.
This past year, the mariachi group performed at BMO Stadium. Senior and desk assistant for the Music Department Daniel Martinez said the group was invited by Angel City Football Club to perform before one of the team’s matches.
Junior Renee Fournier said having the opportunity to perform at such a big venue has been one of her favorite moments thus far.
Marron said she is proud of how the students have grown from when they first started, improving both personally and technically.
“I think, it’s nice to see their confidence because some of them are really nervous when they start out,” Marron said.
Martinez said he was excited to perform, but had some lingering feelings as it is his last year at Cal Lutheran.
“In a way, it’s bittersweet because, like, it’s gonna be my last mariachi performance, and one of my last concerts for the Music Department,” Martinez said.
As a Music Department Assistant, Martinez was partially responsible for putting this performance together, choosing music and securing venues to perform.
Fournier said she was looking forward to playing “La Gata Bajo la Lluvia” by Rafaela Pérez Botija.
“I think the song overall is really beautiful,” Fournier said.
Martinez said he has been given several opportunities as a result of joining the group.
“It used to be a club, and at some point, it became a class, and [a friend] was the one who recommended me to go into the group,” Martinez said.
Marron has been the director of the Mariachi Ensemble for about seven years and is proud of how it has grown.
“Our ensemble grows every year, and it’s really nice because we have students of all different majors,” Marron said.
