CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE So why a panel discussion in the middle of a mariachi/folklórico celebration? Primarily because the current generation of youth mariachi and folklórico dancers members, families, boards, etc. have little idea how such groups came about. Given how many such groups now dominate the Tucson landscape it’s hard […]
Author: dbtucson
Mariachi Miracle fundraiser a showcase of talent, history
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE As production winds down and preparation for editing and post-production begins, The Mariachi Miracle celebrates the 65thbirthday of director/author Daniel Buckley with a day of youth mariachis and folklorico groups to raise funds for The Mariachi Miracle. “It’s going to be a mix of both the music and dance,” Buckley […]
Buckley lectures from The Mariachi Miracle trail
What is The Mariachi Miracle? Yes, it’s a film and book project by Daniel Buckley, now wrapping production, that documents the transformational power of Tucson’s youth mariachi and folklorico dance programs on the socio-economic, educational, political and artistic makeup of the city. But what’s the miracle? Actually it’s not one but many. […]
New recruits join Aztlán as graduation approaches
So many times I have seen an elementary school kid enrolled in the Davis Bilingual summer mariachi camp watching Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School at a Friday showcase concert and saying to his or her parents, “Some day I want to be part of that group. Aztlán’s crisp precision, sharp look and flawless […]
NYC’s new education chancellor is The Mariachi Miracle in action
If there is someone who epitomizes The Mariachi Miracle it is Richard Carranza. In so many ways his life and work, and that of his twin Reuben, symbolize the transformative power of youth mariachis. Earlier this week Richard was named Chancellor of New York City Schools, putting him in charge of America’s largest school […]
Mariachi starter shows steady hand in Houston crisis
In a dangerous and rapidly shifting situation such as occurred in Houston, Texas, when Hurricane Harvey hit recently a cool head and steady, methodical leadership are what a city needs. And that’s exactly what Houston Independent School District superintendent Richard Carranza delivered. Carranza, who started Tucson’s Mariachi Aztlán de Pueblo High School in 1992, was […]
Chacala Mariachi Institute puts focus on teaching
A group of mariachi educators from both sides of the border gathered in early June to compare techniques, share best practices and talk about the transformations they see in their communities. Called the Chacala Mariachi Institute, the event is in its second year, organized by Dr. Jeff Nevin of Southwestern College in California. Set in […]
Eight year old clip shows impact of Dr. V, Davis mariachi program
In prowling around for photos of a beloved mariachi educator I stumbled on a clip from eight years ago that now seems like a time capsule. The video was to accompany a March 13, 2009 Tucson Citizen article I wrote about Davis Bilingual Elementary School mariachi program creator Alfredo Valenzuela. In May, 2008, “Mr. V” […]
The Mariachi Miracle’s producer remembers Victoria Arias through her own words
Click photos to enlarge, video to play For over 35 years the mariachi has been the soundtrack to my life in Tucson, as it has for my city. I have watched several generations grow from talented young mariachis and folklórico dancers into teachers, doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers, musicians, administrators, politicians and more. Barriers to higher […]
Showing up and doing my job
Some years back my former publisher with the Tucson Citizen, Michael Chihak, spoke at a monthly meeting about the value of showing up and doing your job. As I work on The Mariachi Miracle I more and more see what he was talking about. There will be many outcomes to this project, the film and […]
