As lunch gets underway, violin players from the Mariachi program observe cues from junior vocalist Heather Simpson. Staying in sync, their sound fills the main rotunda. Students and staff walking by pause to listen, turning the usual lunchtime rush into a moment of music and energy for everyone passing through.On cue, the ensembles Trumpet players play a feature during one of their pieces, staying locked in by tapping their foot as students pass by and listen in. Between pieces, senior Jonathan Brown shared his mindset while playing: “During a performance I just think about things I can do with the music to make the audience feel it more.”Violinists from the Chapin Mariachi program stay focused as they make their way through a lunchtime performance in the main rotunda. With each piece, the group leans into the emotion of the music, creating a moment of calm and connection for students and staff passing by. Reflecting on the experience, junior Mary Fulmer shared, “When I’m performing, I just let myself melt into the music and enjoy the moment.”Playing their hearts out, three trumpet players round out the end of the performance , adding energy and style to the closer. Senior Jonathan Brown explained the difference in playing mariachi trumpet: “With mariachi it’s different… there’s always something you can do to make it pretty. It’s not as straight as other music.”Strumming with precision, mariachi guitarists add rhythm and depth to the ensemble’s sound. Their steady playing kept the group grounded and showcased the unique style that sets mariachi apart from other music programs on campus.
