To audition, please get in touch with the Desert Sounds Office at 480-304-4762 for more information or questions.
Violin: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment (no mariachi music). Scales C, G, D, A, and F major. One octave for younger students. Two octaves for junior high students. Three octaves for perspective Avanzados members. Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Guitar/Vihuela: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment Chord progressions I-IV-V-I in the keys of C, G, D, A, F Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Guitarron: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment Note progressions I-IV-V-I in the keys of C, G, D, A, F. Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Trumpet: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment (no mariachi music). Scales: Play C, G, and chromatic scale (from a comfortable low note to a high note). Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Voice: Everyone must do a vocal audition which includes: Pitch matching (provided by adjudicator), Sight-singing (provided by adjudicator)
Mariachi Sones del Desierto
Looking for friends and community? Our locally-famous Mariachi ensembles get kids of all ages started with music education. Mariachi music has strong cultural roots in storytelling and Mexican history and is a great way for children of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in an interactive learning experience. With ensembles for every age, our programs dive into the unique history and culture of Mariachi Music. Kids become more connected to a deep cultural tradition and community with performance opportunities.
History. Heritage. Community. Culture.
Combining history and music into one powerful experience for young people.
Why Your Child (and you) Will Love This Program
Mariachi Sones del Desierto is our most popular and longest running group program. With Mariachi instructors and ensembles for every age, our programs dive into the unique history and culture of Mariachi Music. Kids not only become more connected to a deep cultural tradition, but with performance opportunities, and weekly chances to meet with a robust community of other students and parents, they’re sure to have a ton of fun too.
Mariachi Music for Every Level
Aprendiz
Mariachi Aprendiz Sones del Desierto is our entry-level group for young eager musicians. For most, this is their first experience playing an instrument or mariachi music. Members learn basic musical concepts and how to work together as a mariachi ensemble. Individual commitment and daily practicing the music outside of rehearsal is required. Individual progress is expected and recognized.
Weekly rehearsals are on Saturday at Desert Sounds.
Principiantes
Mariachi Principiantes Sones del Desierto is a concentrated learning experience for aspiring young musicians who show that they are ready to play more advanced music and learn more advanced musical concepts, rehearsal, and performance skills through their audition. Individual commitment and daily practicing the music outside of rehearsal is required. Personal progress is expected and recognized.
Weekly rehearsals are at Desert Sounds.
Intermedios
Mariachi Intermedios Sones del Desierto members are aspiring student musicians concentrating on developing their musicality and technical performing skills. A high level of individual commitment and daily practicing of music outside of rehearsal is required.
The Intermedios rehearse Saturdays at Desert Sounds.
Avanzados
Mariachi Avanzados Sones del Desierto is our elite sought after performing group. This group consists of experienced, talented, and dedicated youth mariachi musicians who have developed advanced technical, playing, and performing skills. A very high level of individual commitment and daily preparation outside of rehearsals is required.
Weekly rehearsals are on Saturday at Desert Sounds.
Auditions
To audition, please get in touch with the Desert Sounds Office at 480-304-4762 for more information or questions.
Violin: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment (no mariachi music). Scales C, G, D, A, and F major. One octave for younger students. Two octaves for junior high students. Three octaves for perspective Avanzados members. Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Guitar/Vihuela: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment Chord progressions I-IV-V-I in the keys of C, G, D, A, F Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Guitarron: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment Note progressions I-IV-V-I in the keys of C, G, D, A, F. Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Trumpet: Solo of your choice with no accompaniment (no mariachi music). Scales: Play C, G, and chromatic scale (from a comfortable low note to a high note). Sight reading (provided by adjudicator)
Voice: Everyone must do a vocal audition which includes: Pitch matching (provided by adjudicator), Sight-singing (provided by adjudicator)
Absence
Our Ensembles have performed across the valley at Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Gardens, Mesa Arts Center, Tempe Center for the Arts, Chandler Multicultural Festival, the Herberger Arts Festival, the Arizona Opera’s cultural exchange, Phoenix Arts Festival, Maricopa County Community College Hispanic Convocation, the Town of Gilbert Global Village, Town of Guadalupe, Tempe Historical Museum, private parties, weddings, Quinceañera, in local restaurants and schools.
Need more information? Want to Book Us? Contact Chris Donlon.
How it Works
Auditions
Participants audition once a year to find the best fit for this program. We will take age and musical ability into account to find the best-suited program for your child. They also get the benefit of going through an audition process to learn how it works.
Weekly Practice
Once the auditions are complete, we’ll assign children to the ensemble that’s the best fit for them. Ensembles meet weekly to work on new music. Thanks to our donors, this program only costs $20/month per student.
Call for the next round of auditions. It’s free to audition!