Arts, Media, Entertainment and Music Academy (AMEM) » Mariachi and Drumline

Mariachi and Drumline

This course allows students the opportunity to learn Mariachi technique, style, and interpretation primarily on the guitar, vihuela, trumpet, and guitarrón. Students will perform traditional, progressive, and contemporary music. Participants are involved in numerous performances throughout the year. Students will attend ensemble rehearsals and performances outside of the school day.  

Mariachi ensembles include the guitar, vihuela, guitarrón, trumpet, violin, and singers. Students can learn to play the guitar, vihuela, and guitarrón during the school day in the Mariachi class. Sign up for the Mariachi class and learn to play one of these instruments. The Mariachi ensembles meet after school. Outside musicians will work on vocals, violin, and music interpretation.   To enroll in the program, contact your counselor.

"Being able to offer Mariachi Music is both culturally relevant for our students and families and part of the fabric of Mexican - American heritage and history.  We are truly proud of being able to offer this musical program at the middle school."

Richard S. Ramos, School Principal and Mariachi Affecionado 

We welcome Mr. Zachary Groll to our Northridge MS Director of Music.  Zachary Groll is a music educator, freelance performer and recording artist living in Los Angeles. Graduating from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Music in Education and from the University of Southern California with a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance.

Mr. Groll has taught and performed regularly in the Greater Los Angeles area since 2013. Versed in various styles of music, he has toured domestically and internationally as a member of orchestras, drum and bugle corps, wind and brass ensembles, Jazz ensembles, Rock/Rockabilly/Ska groups, and Mariachi. His performances have been featured on national television and public radio. He also is a co-founder of Mariachi Alma y Corazón.

As an educator, Mr. Groll has had the honor of conducting Middle school and High school ensembles in Texas as a student teacher, as well as California as an assistant director. For the past five years he has worked as a winds and brass coach or as a director for various elementary schools, after-school band programs and two after-school Mariachi academies. 

SUGGESTED THREE YEAR PLAN

6th Grade

  • English 

  • Math

  • History

  • Science

  • Mariachi I (Fine Arts)

  • PE (or Dance could substitute)

7th Grade

  • English 

  • Math

  • World History

  • Science

  • PE (or Dance could substitute)

  • Mariachi II (Fine Arts)
8th Grade

  • English 

  • Algebra / Math

  • US History

  • Science

  • Mariachi III

  • PE (or Dance could substitute)