Jose Hernandez Jose Hernandez was born 43 years ago in the state of Mexicali, Mexico. Mr. Hernandez has been performing with his five brothers since the early age of three. His desire for the world to enjoy the traditional sounds of Mexico became a reality in 1981, with the creation of his own musical group, Mariachi Sol de Mexico. Mr. Hernandez and his Mariachi have become an international institution and greatly responsible for the increased recognition of this world-class music, mesmerizing listeners around the globe. His absolute mastery of the medium led him to assist in many film scores and compose, arrange, produce and tour internationally to sold-out audiences.

He has recorded with the most respected and recognized names in the industry, including: Selena, Linda Rondstadt, Vikki Carr, Vicente Fernandez and Lola Beltran, just to name a few. Under the leadership of Mr. Hernandez, Mariachi Sol de Mexico is currently the only mariachi that performs on the classical music circuit.

He possesses an excellent knowledge of music history, and his musical inspirations range from Bach to Agustin Lara. Mariachi del Sol is the first mariachi ever to perform in the socialist countries of China and North Korea. Mr. Hernandez is also the musical director of the prestigious Viva El Mariachi festival held annually in Los Angeles. Recently, Mr. Hernandez has undertaken the ambitious task of arranging his own symphony orchestra. The Sol de Mexico Symphony Orchestra was invited to Washington, DC to perform for President Clinton at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

In 1991, Mr. Hernandez decided to parlay his fame and knowledge into helping children connect with their own musical traditions, by forming the Mariachi Heritage Society. The mission of this organization in part, is to educate and build an identity in our children with the value music can have on their minds and hearts. Mr. Hernandez believes music is the bridge to instill the identity of a harmonious heritage within our children.

The Mariachi Heritage Society employs highly qualified mariachi instructors to deliver the highest quality musical education to over 700 children throughout the Los Angeles area. This program has a nationwide outreach, providing mariachi workshops in Arizona, Nevada and Texas. The curriculum provides lessons in all types of instruments and voice at no or minimal cost to the student. More than 4,000 students have benefited from this program. Additional Infomation on Mr. Hernandez


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