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THE
PROFESSIONAL MARIACHI
by Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Sol de Mexico |
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| 1. |
REHEARSALS:
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| A) |
Be on
time, at least 20 minutes before down-beat. |
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| B) |
Careful
tuning is essential for a good rehearsal and performance. Needless
playing is unfair to others who are trying to tune. |
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| C) |
If rehearsing
with written music, place your music stand at best height for
maintaining eye contact with the conductor. |
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| D) |
Stop playing
when conductor stops, and listen to what he says. |
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| E) |
Do no
rely on only reading music, try to memorize as fast as possible
so that you can interpret your music better. |
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| F) |
When playing,
listen to the entire Mariachi. All parts are important, especially
the rhythm section. |
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| G) |
Keep track
of time allowed for breaks, be back to play on schedule. |
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| H) |
NEVER
stare or comment when someone makes a mistake. This is discourteous
to the player and distracting for everyone. AND YOU COULD BE
NEXT! |
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| I) |
Practice
your parts at home. Plan your practice. Isolate problems in
advance so you can concentrate on them. |
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| J) |
Prepare
group choreography during rehearsals. |
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| K) |
Continuing
your musical education in voice and instrument is very important
for longevity as a good all around musician. |
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| 2. |
IMAGE
AND HYGIENE |
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| A) |
Clean
boots, traje, botonadura, haircut, nails cut and clean and personal
presentation. |
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| B) |
Remember
we are striving to get rid of the image of the stereotypical
pot bellied Mariachi sitting under the cactus. |
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| 3. |
SHOWMANSHIP: |
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| A) |
When accompanying
singer, do not over shadow the star. |
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| B) |
Once on
stage do not practice parts, it looks unprofessional. |
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| C) |
Adjust
attitude and facial expressions to type of song you are performing. |
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| D) |
Do not
talk to person next to you on stage unless its part of the act. |
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| E) |
Always
keep in subtle touch with section leader, vocal cutoffs and
director but DO NOT IGNORE AUDIENCE. |
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| F) |
When
featured as a solo singer your arm movements and facial expressions
need to compliment the lyrics of the song. Practice in front
of a mirror until you feel comfortable. |
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| G) |
Choosing
the right variety of songs and change of tempos are important
for your choice of repertoire. PLEASING THE AUDIENCE ALWAYS
COMES FIRST. |
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| H) |
Have fun,
enjoy yourself during performance. DO NOT GET UPTIGHT! |
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| 4. |
PROFESSIONAL
CONDUCT: |
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| A) |
If you
do not have something nice to say about your fellow musicians
do not say anything at all. If you have a problem with someone
discuss it with your leader. |
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| B) |
Constructive
criticism is one thing, putting people down is another. |
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| C) |
Always
put your ego aside. |
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| D) |
When you
appreciate the performance of another group let them know, congratulate
them. This shows humility and true appreciation of Mariachi. |
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| E) |
Healthy
competition is good motivation & results in better performance
by all groups. |
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| F) |
Do not
hesitate to ask if you can analyze a musical arrangement or
assist in helping any fellow musician. |
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| G) |
Remember
a professional musician can be creative and innovative, not
always bound to the mechanics. |
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Visit
my past thoughts on the Passion of Mariachi: Why
is passion so important for you and Sol de Mexico®? |
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You can send your
mariachi subject to Jóse
Hernàndez |
