What's a mariachi?

A musical ensemble that includes a guitarron, vihuela, trumpet, and violin. Groups might also have 2-3 violins and 2-3 trumpets, a guitar, a harp. Songs are mostly sung in Spanish. Typical rhythms include boleros, rancheras, sones, huapangos, polkas, cumbias, waltzes, and paso dobles.

What's the biggest challenge in this kind of music?

There are lots and lots and lots of songs! A good group is supposed to be able to play everybody's grandfather's favorite song as well as the current favorites from the "telenovelas," Mexican soap operas.

How did you start writing songs?

One night a so-called male friend came over at midnight to pay me a visit. When he complained that I didn't have any beer on hand, I was so angry I couldn't see straight! Even before I had scooted him out the door, lyrics were forming in my head!

What's your background as a musician?

I started playing the violin when I was ten. In high school Tim Kopf encouraged me encouraged me to take lessons from a great teacher. Mr. Nagy was a wonderful influence because he made music fun. Even when I hadn't practiced enough, he would say, in his special Hungarian accent, "Ve are sooo goood!"  Then we would play another scale. Thanks to him, my first music job was with the Decatur-Milikin Civic Symphony.

How did you wind up in a mariachi?

When I lived in Mexico, my stand partner always told me that mariachi music was easy. Victor was a terrible liar, but when I moved back to the States and found that a woman was playing with Mariachi America, I worked my way in. The process wasn't easy, however, since I had to learn all the music by ear. Thank goodness for tape recorders!