The first-ever mariachi ensemble class at Fresno City College launched this semester. FCC is now among the nine colleges in California that have mariachi classes.

Pamela Galicia, professor of mariachi ensemble at FCC, said she believes the class will grow in popularity. 

“This is the first semester, so I have around 15-16 students, but hopefully it gains even more popularity within the students,” Galicia said.

Galicia has been connected with mariachi music for years. She started playing violin in elementary school and continued in the orchestra at Roosevelt High School.

“Mariachi music ties me to the culture, and it represents something that is very personal for me,” Galicia said.She said that FCC has provided strong support, including purchasing instruments before the class officially began. 

“Even before I was officially hired instruments were purchased and there was a buzz around Fresno City College about this class,” Galicia said. 

According to Galicia, class aims to connect generations and creates a sense of community.

“It helps the generations together because a lot of music that we play is traditional older generations, remember the same songs and the younger students are learning these songs,”Galicia said.

The Mariachi class offers more than typical music classes. It allows students to push the boundaries of the classroom itself. 

“This class will open them up to the Mariachi world, and the traditional mariachi music allows them to perform with the local group, so it gives them real opportunities,” Galicia said. 

Students are anticipating being the first students of this class.

“It’s very exciting  and interesting to be a part of the first group of students of the Mariachi program,” said Andrew Powell, senior commercial music student.

Students also have strong connections and personal meaning with the mariachi world.

“For me it’s not only culture, because I’m Mexican American, it’s almost like a way of life, way that we breathe and a way to listen to music,” said Vanessa Lomeli, a sophomore student at FCC.

Galicia is an important part of this class, so she helps students open the mariachi world. 

“It’s pretty awesome getting a professor like Galicia, so she is very passionate about teaching, and she is also really informed about how to play every instrument,” Powell said. 

The group of students is multicultural and very hospitable, like a family. 

“I’ve attended one class, group meeting and based on the environment that was presented to me as a welcoming and like new student, they gave me a really welcoming environment, and you can tell the there’s a lot of different faces there from different cultures, and it’s really nice to see that people from other cultures, besides the Hispanic culture,” Lomeli said.