GRANGER is a very diverse school with a variety of clubs students can join. Last year, a mariachi club was started. Mariachi went from being just a club to becoming a class. Having mariachi as a class can help you learn more about the rich culture behind it and its origin. You also get to learn more about the type of music it is and get to practice a new instrument or rediscover an instrument you’ve already played.
Garrett Spalka is the teacher who made this club happen. “I first taught mariachi in Nevada, then I thought about influencing it here at Granger,” Spalka said. His experience in teaching mariachi before helped him bring new ideas and opportunities to Granger. Mr. Spalka was the one who made this whole state competition come together. “The competition wasn’t about getting first place, but scoring the highest, which we were able to accomplish with a lot of practice,” Spalka said.
This past weekend, Mariachi competed in the first school mariachi competition hosted by Mariachi Fuego and placed 1st. Their prize was $6,000 worth of custom trajes (suits) for Granger High School. The group’s hard work paid off, showing how much they have improved and grown throughout the year. In addition, three Granger students competed in the soloist competition and earned all top placements. Chantel Lozano (12) took 1st place, Darien Lopez (12) earned 2nd place, and Barbara Segura (12) placed 3rd.
Darien Lopez (12) was picked to play the violin. “I picked the violin because I already knew how to play it. I learned it at Valley Junior High,” Lopez said. “I felt proud about making it to the States. We were one of the first groups that got to make it,” he said. Being part of mariachi isn’t just about playing music but about teamwork and commitment. It can also help create a bond between the students.
Aldercy Heu (12) picked the violin. “I picked the violin because I thought it’d be fun to play,” Heu said. “I joined the class for fun and because of friends. Also, to learn more about the music,” she said. “I never considered joining the club, but now I’m part of the class,” she said. You can enjoy and spend more time with friends while learning and trying something new.
Max Pace (12) was picked to play the trumpet. “I picked the trumpet since I began playing it about 6 years ago,” Pace said. “I went to one of their concerts and saw they could use extra trumpet power,” he added. Helping out with something you are already good at can improve that while you have fun doing something you already like. Because of this class, students can participate in competitions and improve their skills.
Yamil Gonzalez (12) was picked to play the vihuela. “I played the guitar before, but the teacher recommended that I play the vihuela,” Gonzalez said. “I learned to play the guitar in my junior year by taking Mr.Spalkas class,” he said. “We improved a lot since the beginning of the year,” he said. “It was exciting, nerve-racking, but we did practice a lot. I feel the score shows it all,” he said
Students and community members will also have another opportunity to support the group soon. Mariachi Royal will be performing live on Wednesday, May 6, competing against Hunter High School’s marching band at Cupbop at Valley Fair for Cupbop Day. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the competition beginning at 7:00 p.m. They will be competing for a chance to win a $500 grant to support the music program.
Mariachi at Granger is more than just a class. It allows students to express themselves, to learn about culture, and to grow as musicians. Whether someone is already experienced or just starting in mariachi, everyone is welcome. This class will continue to grow, as it did when it went from a club to a class.
