Mission
Colorado Youth Mariachi Program is on a mission to empower youth through an equitable mariachi program that provides quality instruction in instrumental and vocal education, performance techniques, and cultural preservation that fosters cultural pride, leadership and artistic excellence for Colorado youth.
Vision
A vibrant Colorado community where young people have access to quality mariachi music education that promotes and encourages cultural pride, and opportunities for artistic growth and leadership.
Our Story
Inspired by the personal experience of Executive Director Isahar Mendez and Performance Director Victor Becerra, the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program (CYMP) was officially launched in 2019 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization after offering free music lessons for three years to family members and friends.
Since its inception, CYMP has remained dedicated to the mission of inspiring youth in the art of music making and mariachi culture. The program is supported by local mariachi musicians and has inspired schools to begin their own programs. We are committed to fostering an appreciation and value of mariachi education among youth and their families through a high quality and accessible music program.
What We Do
CYMP teaches mariachi music to youth between the ages of 7 and 18 years old and conducts performances around their community. Instruction includes lessons in trumpet, violin, guitar, voice, and traditional mariachi instruments vihuela and guitarron. Classes also include the history of mariachi, its culture and performance etiquette. Alongside classes, students have the opportunity to perform for their community at public events and travel to national mariachi workshops and conferences. Instruction is provided by trained music educator and experienced mariachi musicians.
Why Mariachi music?
A sustainable and quality music education can play an important role in many students’ lives. Mariachi is respected as a world heritage art form by UNESCO and a powerful tool for academic success. Many schools around the country have seen high academic achievement, rise in student engagement and improved attendance rates from at-risk students benefiting from a mariachi program in their schools. Although our program is community based we hope to inspire and support school administration and music teachers to join the mariachi education movement and help make mariachi education sustainable in Colorado.
Board of Directors
Karen Rojas Meza
Title: President
Amparo Briceno
Title: Secretary
Jhoana Juarez
Title: Treasure
Margarito Sanchez Q.
Title: Member at large
Anthony Vigil-Martinez
Title: Member at large
Adrian Perez
Title: Member at large