Megan Archuleta

I am currently a seventeen year old, Senior at Dolores Huerta Preparatory High School and a member of Mariachi Aguila. I first started playing Mariachi music as a violinist at the age of eleven, but later switched to the guitar. I have played it since I was twelve years old. Since then I have participated in various instructional conferences around several cities in Colorado and New Mexico. I’ve been a music student of Mr. Vigil’s since 2001 when I began Middle School at Cesar Chavez Academy.

What I like best about being a part of Mariachi Aguila, is the family like environment our Mariachi holds. Being a part of this Mariachi is like being a member of a close family. I like how each member of our group cares for each other, as if they were brothers and sisters to one another. Every member encourages and motivates one another to reach the goals and hopes that they have of exceeding the advanced or even master level.

Ralph "Kenny" Gonzales

I was in sixth grade when I started playing trumpet, however I didn’t study privately until I was out of high school. I did play throughout grade school and high school. My private teacher was Mr. Ed Lewis, a graduate of Eastman School of Music. He was the principal trumpet teacher at Southern Colorado State College where I studied music for four years. I also played in various groups such as rock, jazz, concert bands, and in a U.S. Army Band. This is my first experience in providing trumpet instructions with the CCA/DHPH program and I’m very privileged and excited to be here. Mariachi music has been a part of my life, culture and family for several generations all the way back to Mexico. We hope to make this wonderful genre a special part of your life as well.

Jerry Vigil

My name is Jerry Vigil and I am a native from San Luis, Colorado. I am a student at Colorado State University – Pueblo. Also, I am a former member of the mariachi group my father established in San Luis, Mariachi San Luis, since I was eleven years old. I’ve attended many mariachi conferences and have learned under the director of many well established maestros of mariachi, such as, Jose Hernandez of Sol de Mexico, Chino Franciso Rodriquez, and many others.

Then, I began assisting Mr. Anthony Vigil in 2004 as he had established the group, Mariachi Aguila. In coming to CCA, Mr. Vigil asked me to assist him in enhancing the armonia section of the group and to work with the after school music classes.

In closing, what I enjoy most about teaching the Mariachi style, is I enjoy seeing the kids play the type of music I love the most.

Mario J. Vigil

I have been playing guitar and singing for twenty years. A graduate of Pueblo East High School in 1999, and have been teaching students to play the guitar for six years. I’ve taught four of those years here at Cesar Chavez Academy and Dolores Huerta Preparatory High. It is a passion of mine to see young musicians learn to play the guitar and excel in their abilities.

I’ve playing in and out of bands since I was seventeen as a fill in musician often playing different instruments like the guitar, bass guitar, drums, and the piano. I have played for a number of churches in Pueblo and around the state of Colorado often directing the band.

I am married to his wife, Alethea, of two years and am currently the K-2 Music teacher for Cesar Chavez Academy. "I believe in the Mariachi Institute and I think that it is a great opportunity for young people to embrace their culture and heritage through music that speaks to the heart and soul of a person."

I am currently a violin instructor for Mariachi Aguila and a freshman at the University of Southern Colorado – Pueblo. I started playing the violin in fourth grade at the age of nine. I just recently started private lessons at the University. I was a music student at Delores Huerta Preparatory High for two years. The thing that I like most about being in Mariachi Aguila is that we all are a family. We all enjoy playing together and learning from each other.