Mariachi Wannabes Need a Hand

Most children might want to learn to play rock ‘n’ roll tunes by such groups as Hanson or No Doubt. But not one group of local youngsters. They are bonded by the centuries-old music of their Mexican culture.

With guitars, violins and trumpets in hand, 20 musicians, ages 6 to 16, are learning to play mariachi music.

Their goal is to one day perform together in the community.

The program, offered at George Washington Community Center, is being offered to children of all heritages as an alternative to getting involved with gangs and drugs, said Juan Blanco, Anaheim community services specialist.

The mostly Latino children in the Monday evening program also play to keep their culture alive.

“It makes me happy to be playing the music my mom and dad listen to,” said Wendy Agredano, 14, who is learning to play guitar.

Young violinist Yosselyn Guzman, 11, said she also wants to learn the music native to her parents: “It feels great to play it,” she said. “My dad knows all the songs, and I want to learn to play them for my dad.”

The mariachi youth group started about a year ago, but the program fizzled because of a lack of support by both parents and volunteer instructors.

Now, a handful of dedicated parents is trying to revive the program. But they are faced with the same problem: They can’t keep music instructors.

“All of these kids are really committed; now we need to get some instructors to realize that it’s something really good for the kids to keep them out of trouble,” Blanco said.

The city initially contributed $1,000 to start the program, along with providing rehearsal space at the community center.

Francisco Agredano, father of four young mariachi players, said the program’s future depends on finding committed instructors.

Each child in the program chips in $3 per week; the money is split between the three instructors to help offset their gas and other costs.

“It’s not what they’re worth, but we’re just trying to help by giving them some money,” said Maria Plascencia, who has two children in the program.

The young mariachis also must buy their own instruments. But through the program, instruments can be bought at discounted prices.

Parents would also like to find a sponsor for the program, a music director and to develop fund-raisers.

But whether they get financial help or not, Agredano said their goal is to find a way to continue the program: “I don’t know how or for how long, but we’re going to keep it going,” Agredano said. “I want to see the kids learn.”

“We want the kids to learn about our culture because we’re proud of being Mexicans, and we want the kids to be proud too,” Plascencia said.

Donations or information: (714) 956-5500, Moses Menchaca, city community services supervisor.