Javelinas’ very own ring in the centennial year
On a historic night, a jubilant energy filled the air in the MUEB Performance Hall, along with the sounds of guitarras, guitarróns, violíns and trompetas.
Mariachi Javelina and Mariachi Javelina Juvenil both performed, and for the first time ever the Mariachi Javelina alumni was summoned to help ring in the centennial celebration.
The memorable night was made even more special for TAMUK senior and trompeta Yamila De La Rosa after it was announced she was selected to join one of the best all-female mariachi groups in the world.
Coming from Los Fresnos, Texas, and now bound for Los Angeles, Calif., De La Rosa reflected on the honor.
“Coming from a small city doesn’t mean you can’t make it,” she said. “Wherever you go, plant the seed and you can become something, whatever you want. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, you can do anything if you strive for it.”
De La Rosa’s last collegiate performance was bittersweet.
“It didn’t hit me until the last song. Just to know that you’re a part of history and contributing to your culture,” she said, “it’s been a blessing and hopefully in 50 years I get invited back for this alumni concert.”
The alumni featured musicians from all the way back to the inception of Mariachi Javelina. John Vela, who plays violin and is a student director, recalled his second semester at then Texas A&I when the group traveled to San Antonio to compete in the first ever International Mariachi Conference in 1979.
Alfredo Olvera, completing his fifth year at TAMUK and in Mariachi Javelina said it was an honor to perform with alumni.
“It’s honestly really cool to see how many people came before and see how many people have contributed to where the program is right now,” Olvera said.
Arriving during a bit of a dry spell, Olvera says his departure is gratifying because “I wanted to leave [Mariachi] Javelina in a better state than I found it. I am really glad to see there are people who care about it as much as I do. Hopefully one day it can be one of the premiere ensembles in the state.”
Vihuela player, senior and Section Leader Marissa Del Bosque feels very happy and proud to be a part of the people who are continuing the legacy of Mariachi Javelina. A legacy she described as being a part of “one big family.”
Del Bosque expanded on what mariachi music itself means to her.
“You don’t need to speak Spanish to understand what the music is about. You feel it. In the chords, in the melody. Mariachi is something that can bring everyone together. No matter their ethnicity or what language they speak,” Del Bosque concluded.