Mariachi, my identity and passion: Richard Mata at TEDxBoyleHeights 2014

"Mariachi, my identity and passion: Richard Mata at TEDxBoyleHeights
Richard is an advocate of Mariachi music. It is a universal music that is embraced by Asia, Europe and South America. A musical form with humble beginnings and now recognized for its musical complexity that demands virtuosity and versatility.
Originally a "metal head", Richard found Mariachi as an adolescent, it became his passion and a life-changing event.
Richard Mata founded the The Mariachi Conservatory in 2007, with his wife Esperanza Juarez. Their efforts are captured in the documentary titled: "Canto de Familia".
The mission of the Conservatory is to teach the art form, preserve it and develop musical talent in Boyle Heights and its surrounding communities.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@IvanEstrellaDeLosAngeles]

I am very thankful that Mr Mata has invited the community to learn. I pray that these doors stay open. Not only for myself but for all to come and learn. Thank you Mr Mata. You are a true inspiration!

[@sirenloud]

I literally just cried just beautiful or cultural art music is going all over the world

[@lucieceja1625]

As a woman who has had Mariachi music part of her life since she was born, Mariachi music is not only the songs that were played at family parties but it was a huge part of my family's world view. My grandfather Don Luis Ceballos, who passed away in 1998, was the first one to introduce, carry out and instill the love of Mariachi music in our family. He made it a part of our family's identity through our faith. Although he played for entertainment, he also played for Sunday mass every weekend. He was Christ centered and often stated "I do not play for people, I play for God!" The profound declaration for his faith through his music has made an impact on my family especially me. Many times, I can sit in church and can still hear my Grandpa's trumpet play the Mariachi church hymns. It comforts me like he did.

[@isabellelaval7294]

Dear Lucie, I'm watching this from the countryside near Paris, France. Did you know that our Virgencita of Guadalupe has a Lady Chapel in Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of Paris? Every 12th of December there is a Mass in her honor and all the Hispanic community from all over France attends. The ambassador from Mexico and from several other Latin countries also attend. There is a mariachi band too and I must admit that when we sing Las mañanitas for Notre Señora de Guadalupe there isn't a dry eye anywhere. Young and old, we all remember the many times she came to our rescue. Honestly and truely, everyone should live this moment of religeous fervor at least once in their live. As a Franco-Chicana, la Virgen y los mariachis are such a big part of my identity.
After the Mass the mariachi play as they go from the main altar to la Virgen's chapel. What a moment: acknowledging our faith and our love for our Mexican virgencita in a centuries old cathedral and listening to mariachis!! Yes, both our Virgencita and our charros/ mariachis belong to the world.
It's now been 1 year since the fire at Notre Dame so I don't know where the ceremony will be held this year. Thank God the Virgen de Guadalupe chapel wasn't much damaged. I'll say a prayer for your abuelito.

[@MariachiConservatory]

Thank You TEDx for supporting our mission! Just to clarify, the documentary in which captures The Mata Family's passion in preserving mariachi music is titled "Canto de Familia". Thank You and please share our message.

[@MexicanBoy322]

I really enjoyed your Ted talk Richard. My 5th period teacher always shows us Ted talks, and when I saw this I just had to watch it. It was very interesting and factual. I am very grateful that I have you as a teacher. Thank you.