Summer workshop
2026 Summer Programs

Silicon Valley Mariachi Summer Camp

A four day immersive mariachi music program for youth and community members in San Jose. Learn from world class musicians and connect with your cultural roots.

July 7 to 10, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Overfelt High School, San Jose
Spots are limited
About the Program

More Than a Workshop: An Immersive Experience

The Silicon Valley Mariachi Summer Camp is designed as a fully immersive mariachi experience, combining music instruction, ensemble collaboration, and cultural learning. Unlike a traditional workshop, the program focuses on active participation and daily music making rather than passive observation.

The program primarily serves youth participants (approximately 80%), while also welcoming adult community members interested in learning mariachi. Activities are structured to accommodate both beginners and experienced musicians.

Class Focus Areas

Ensemble blend and interpretation
Sol de Mexico repertoire techniques
Vocal phrasing and harmonization
Sectionals with professional musicians (violins, trumpets, guitars, etc.)
Live feedback and performance readiness
Personal Q&A with Maestro Hernandez and Tony Zuniga
Mariachi students
40+
Participants in 2025 pilot
What to Expect

Daily Schedule & Instruments

Each day runs from 9 AM to 1 PM, packed with hands-on instruction, ensemble rehearsal, and cultural learning.

San Jose Schedule

Day 1: Tuesday, July 7
9:00 – 9:20 AMNew Sign-ups & Welcoming
9:20 – 9:40 AMOrientation:
Introduction to Workshops, Rules & Boundaries
Introduction to Sol de Mexico
9:40 – 11:05 AMRotation 1:
Intermediate: Voice
Advanced: Instruments
11:05 – 11:35 AMLunch
11:35 AM – 1:00 PMRotation 2:
Intermediate: Instruments
Advanced: Voice
Day 2: Wednesday, July 8
9:00 – 10:45 AMRotation 1:
Intermediate: Voice
Advanced: Instruments
10:45 – 11:15 AMLunch
11:15 AM – 1:00 PMRotation 2:
Intermediate: Instruments
Advanced: Voice
Day 3: Thursday, July 9
9:00 – 10:45 AMRotation 1:
Intermediate: Voice
Advanced: Instruments
Masters Class
10:45 – 11:15 AMLunch
11:15 AM – 1:00 PMRotation 2:
Intermediate: Instruments
Advanced: Voice
Masters Class
Day 4: Friday, July 10
9:00 – 10:45 AMRehearsal:
Masters Class
10:45 – 11:15 AMLunch
11:15 AM – 12:30 PMRehearsal:
Masters Class
12:30 – 1:00 PMClosing Ceremony:
Closing Workshop Remarks
Performance Instructions
Q&A with Sol de Mexico

Schedule subject to change.

San Jose Location

William C. Overfelt High School

1835 Cunningham Ave, San Jose, CA 95122

Check in at 9:00 AM. Look for signs at the main entrance
Free parking available on campus
ADA accessible venue
Staff will guide you to the room upon arrival
View on Google Maps

San Jose Instruments

Violin
Trumpet
Guitar
Vihuela
Guitarrón
Voice
2026 Workshop Sessions

Learn from World-Class Mariachi Artists

Our instructional team includes Grammy-nominated musicians and seasoned professionals with deep roots in San Jose's mariachi community.

Mariachi Workshop with Mariachi Sol de Mexico

Mariachi Workshop with Mariachi Sol de Mexico

A 4 day immersive workshop covering violin, trumpet, guitarrón, vihuela, guitar, and voice led by world renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

July 7 to 10, 2026$100
Enroll Now
2 Day Masters Class with Jose Hernandez

2 Day Masters Class with Jose Hernandez

A 2 day intensive masters class with world renowned trumpet virtuoso Jose Hernandez, director of the Grammy nominated Mariachi Sol de México.

July 9-10, 2026$100
Enroll Now
2 Day Masters Class with Tony Zuniga

2 Day Masters Class with Tony Zuniga

A 2 day intensive masters class with acclaimed vihuela player Tony Zuniga, bringing expert technique and deep mariachi tradition.

July 9-10, 2026$100
Enroll Now
Our Mission

Mariachi Is More Than Music

Mariachi is a living cultural tradition deeply connected to identity, family, and community. By providing affordable access to mariachi education, the program ensures this important cultural tradition remains vibrant for future generations.

Hosted at Overfelt High School, a familiar, accessible location in East San Jose, the camp brings a neighborhood based opportunity to youth and families who might not otherwise have access to culturally specific arts programs.

Cultural pride & artistic excellence
Intergenerational knowledge sharing
Representation within the arts
Low cost, accessible education

Learning Outcomes

Build instrumental and vocal skills
Strengthen ensemble performance abilities
Develop musical confidence
Connect with mariachi traditions and cultural history

Program evaluation includes attendance tracking, participant surveys, instructor observations, and progress assessments to measure musical growth and participant experience.

Who Should Attend

Youth musicians interested in learning mariachi
Students currently enrolled in school mariachi programs
Beginners who want to try mariachi for the first time
Intermediate and advanced players who want to strengthen their skills
Adult community members interested in learning or reconnecting with mariachi

Participants will be grouped by experience level when possible to ensure everyone receives appropriate instruction and support.

What to Bring

Your instrument (violin, trumpet, guitar, vihuela, or guitarrón)
Notebook & pencil
Water bottle
Comfortable clothing
Open mind & positive energy!

Workshop Fee: $100 per registrant. Payment must be submitted online before the start of your session to confirm your spot.

Scholarships & Accessibility

Silicon Valley Mariachi Summer Camp is designed to keep costs as low as possible so that all families can participate. We believe that financial barriers should never prevent a student from learning mariachi music.

A limited number of scholarships or fee assistance opportunities may be available for families who need additional support.

If cost is a concern, families are encouraged to reach out — we want every student to have the opportunity to participate.

Contact Us About Assistance

Final Day Showcase Performance

The program will conclude with an informal showcase performance on the final day of camp. Participants will have the opportunity to perform the music they learned throughout the week.

Family members
Friends
Community supporters

This performance celebrates student progress, collaboration, and the cultural traditions of mariachi music.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Here are answers to the most common ones.

Still have questions?

Contact Us
Register for Mariachi Summer Camp

Join Us for Four Days of Music, Culture & Community

Spots are limited to maintain a high-quality learning environment. Registration assistance is available for families who need support.

July 7 to 10, 2026
Overfelt High School, San Jose
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Silicon Valley Mariachi Foundation
Silicon ValleyMariachi Foundation

Culturally responsive mariachi music education for youth since 2024.

Contact

San Jose, California

admin@mariachifoundation.org

(408) 408-835-9482

EIN: 99-0920401

Stay Connected

Follow us for student performances, event updates, and community stories.

© 2026 Silicon Valley Mariachi Foundation. All rights reserved.

501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization · EIN: 99-0920401