Juan Diaz II
Mexican mariachi
Mariachi is a traditional Mexican musical form that originated in Jalisco, Mexico. Currently, mariachi music continues to be performed in a large array of venues, from bars to theaters. The instruments that compose a mariachi ensemble have varied throughout time, but currently include trumpets, violins, a guitarrón, vihuelas, guitars, and sometimes a harp.
Juan Diaz II learned mariachi music from his parents, both professional mariachi musicians. He learned at home and also at various mariachi festivals and conferences. He has worked with some of the genre’s most influential and respected musicians, including Victor “Pato” Cardenas (Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan), Jose “Machetes” Lopez Ayala (Mariachi Los Toritos), and Luis Damian (Mariachi Los Camperos). He also has also played extensively with Luis Enrique “Remy” Reyes (Mariachi 2000), Juan Reyes (Mariachi de America), and Daniel Rosales (Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan).
As a master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program in 2012, Juan worked with apprentice Estefania Hernandez. The apprenticeship focused on improving Estefania’s knowledge of and skill on the vihuela, including theory, technique, and repertoire growth.