MAMIACHI & ME

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MAMIACHI & ME w/Jolene and Dakota Gutierrez

Join Jolene, her son (and co-author), Dakota, and me for a fun and laid-back discussion of their latest book MAMIACHI & ME -- the first episode of 2025! We pay special homage to school music programs and chat all things mamiachi, writing with a partner, and much more! You do NOT want to miss tis great conversation!

​​Brava to the Mamiachis: Past, Present, and Future

​Inspired by a true-life Mamiachi, the authors and illustrator compose a story of a contemporary Mexican family who carries on the tradition of mariachi (Mexican music played by a small group of musicians) in a non-traditional way, since mariachi did not include women until much later in its history and it is still a fairly rare occurrence. The creators of the book have brought together Mexican culture, music, and girl power in a very meaningful way that will hopefully inspire the next generation of "mamiachis"! The back matter is not to be missed, as it tells the true story of some of the earliest mamiachis and tell more about the instruments and the make-up of a mariachi band.

A Little Jam. . .(The Music Kind)

As I've delved into the world of female mariachi, I've enjoyed listening to many all-female groups as well as male groups and mixed-gender groups.  I love this group for a few reasons:  their name (Mariachi Mariposas) which translates to Mariachi Butterflies or Butterflies of Mariachi.  I also love the variety of instruments in the group:  violins, trumpets, guitar, guitarron.  This one gives you a perfect, if slightly softer and slower example of female mariachi.  There are many more in the YouTube playlist, along with some educational videos, and rhythm play-alongs for music class, etc. Their sound is professional and quite lovely. I hope you enjoy!

Teacher Tips, Tricks and Topics
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This book is so great for the classroom.  It would especially be applicable for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) or for other Hispanic holidays (Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo, etc.)  It would also be fabulous for March, as it is Music in Our Schools AND Women's History Month. Here are some topics you could explore, but also take a look at the YouTube playlist and the Pinterest board for specific lessons, crafts, videos, etc. to supplement the book.

• History of mariachi
• Geography of mariachi (where it originated, where it's popular now, and everything in between -- regional differences? etc.)
• Mexican holidays where mariachi would be featured
• Women's changing roles in mariachi
• Reading/literacy
  • Vocabulary/Spanish words
  • Back matter
  • Blending fiction/nonfiction
• Mariachi costumes
• Mariachi instruments
• SEL -- So much emotion!  Lots of different feelings to discuss, roleplay or learn about in the way that best suits your classroom and the ages/stages of your students.
• Arts -- Draw instruments or players, create puppets, make musical instruments, etc. (Check out Pinterest board and YouTube playlist for specifics and more ideas)

Tips and Topics for Music Teachers
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• Listening to samples of mariachi music with varied instrumentation and varied musicians.
• Videos of male, female and mixed mariachi (Check out the YouTube playlist!)
• The instruments of mariachi
• Compare mariachi music
  • women vs. men vs. mixed groups
  • regional variations?
  • older mariachi vs. contemporary
• Make your own instruments (castanets, maracas, etc.) Check the Pinterest board.

Writing Prompts from Tonnye
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1. If you could play any mariachi instrument, which would it be, and why?
2. Do you agree or disagree that women should be able to play mariachi?  Write a persuasive essay arguing your viewpoint.
3. Listen to at least 3 different mariachi groups. Write about what they have in common.
4. Write a mariachi story from the perspective of one of the instruments.
5. This story contains lots of emotions.  Write your own emotional story. Include at least 5 feelings your characters are experiencing.
6. Have you ever performed?  What emotions did you experience? 
7. Write an acrostic poem for Mariachi (Or choose one of the instruments)
8. Write a list of Spanish words from the story and the English equivalent.
9. Write a sensory poem about a mariachi experience (maybe at a Mexican restaurant?)
10. Have you ever been part of a performing group?  How did that feel?
11. Why do you think school music programs are important?
12. Make a list of ten of your favorite words. See if you can use all ten in a story.
13. What is your favorite kind of music?  Write a story about a kid learning to play that style of music.
14. Do you and you mom have any hobbies in common?  What do you like to do together?
15. Would you like to be part of a mariachi group?  Why or why not?
16. Write a letter to one of the women in the back matter. Tell them why you admire them and ask them 3 questions you are curious about.

Writing Tips from Jolene and Dakota

Dakota and I worked hard to find lyrical language that fit the vision and vibe of our story, including words that have a strong rhythm to them for some parts and words that flow beautifully in other parts.

​Look at your manuscript. What words might enrich and enliven your story?

Links, More Fun, Extensions for Families and Everyone!

YouTube playlist with 60+ videos that are the perfect complement to this book!  There are examples of female mariachi, as well as mini-documentaries, play-alongs for music class, background music, and more!

Pinterest board with images of mariachi costumes, craft ideas, Hispanic culture tie-ins, activities for Cinco de Mayo and Dia de Muertos and Hispanic Heritage month or any other time you'd like to use this book.  History of Mariachi, Mariachi costumes, information about the musical genre and the instruments and more. . . 

Visit Jolene's site for an Educator's Guide for MAMIACHI & ME as well as her other books.

Guest Links and Giveaways
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Jolene's website where you can find out more about her, her books, access educational guides, and more.

Jolene's FB

Jolene's Twitter/X

Jolene's Instagram

Jolene on YouTube

Dakota isn't very active on socials, and is quite busy with his university work.

Get your signed copy here: 
https://secondstartotherightbooks.com/book/sign1419767159

Or, grab a copy wherever books are sold!

Jolene and Dakota have offered a free copy of MAMIACHI & ME to one lucky winner who comments on THIS BLOG POST by 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, January 22.  Just drop a comment below to be eligible!