Ensemble Descriptions

Mariachi Feroz

Description: The Mariachi Feroz ensemble currently serves as a foundational-level ensemble. No experience is necessary!

Musicians in this ensemble have the option to play violin, guitar, or trumpet. While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, vocal technique, reading music notation, music creation, and music performance. Students will be given opportunities for vocal solos, if they desire that experience. Students in the Mariachi Feroz ensemble will perform at two after-school public concerts each year as well as at least three during-school performances. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers. 

Requirements:

• None! Beginners are welcome! Come be a part of our pack! 

Mariachi de las Estrellas

Description: The Mariachi de las Estrellas ensemble currently serves as our upper-level mariachi ensemble. Students graduating from this ensemble have gone on to pursue music at the collegiate level, many with scholarships.  

An exemplary Mariachi de las Estrellas member has good attendance in all classes and previous concerts, has passing (preferably exemplary) grades in each of his/her classes, is open to suggestions for improvement, is respectful and courteous to other people, seeks out additional performance opportunities, and is able to be both a team player and a soloist. This ensemble consists of students at Westminster High School who typically have at least three years experience on violin or trumpet and two or more years on guitar, vihuela, guitarron, and/or harp. Vocal experience is also considered as part of acceptance into this ensemble. Consistent demonstration of professional Mariachi rehearsal skills and the above-mentioned expectations are necessary.   

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, vocal technique, reading music notation, music creation, and music performance. Students will be encouraged to audition for vocal solos. Students in the Mariachi de las Estrellas ensemble will perform at least five after-school public concerts each year as well as at least five during-school performances. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Mariachi de las Estrellas through director recommendation.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director

Advanced Mariachi de la Luna

Description: This course meets after school on Mondays from 3:45-6pm with additional events on various other weekdays and weekends. Students graduating from this ensemble have gone on to pursue music at the collegiate level, many with scholarships.  

The curriculum for this ensemble will be based upon the instrumentation of enrolled students as the students will typically work in small ensembles of 3-8 musicians where they will choose and compose music specifically for the ensemble. This ensemble is most appropriate for students who typically have at least three years of experience on their instrument. 

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, vocal technique, reading music notation, music creation, and music performance. Students will be encouraged to audition for vocal solos. Students in the Mariachi de las Estrellas ensemble will perform at least six after-school public concerts each year. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Advanced Mariachi de la Luna through director recommendation.
• A student enrolled in this course should also be enrolled in a during-the-day orchestra or mariachi course.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director