Connecting Generations Through Mariachi
Founding Mariachi Cardenal Member J. Refugio Valenzuela
San Antonio, TX has a rich history connected to mariachi music, including the hosting of the first International Mariachi Conference in 1979. This traditional folk music genre has continued to play an important role in the city’s culture, and the city remains to be a popular place where hundreds of mariachi groups showcase their musical talents and cultural pride.
As of 2023, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) officially welcomed the student mariachi group, Mariachi Cardenal. The establishment of the musical groups began when a group of talented students gathered to rehearse and share their love for mariachi. This group proudly represents the Mexican and Mexican American cultures and performs traditional mariachi styles such as the Son Jalisiense, Huapango, Jarocho, Bolero and Ranchera (uiw.edu).
On Saturday, May 10, one of Mariachi Cardenal’s founding members, J. Refugio “Cuco” Valenzuela will be walking the graduation stage and leaving the Nest, but not without leaving a lasting impact.
Valenzuela is a first generation college graduate and a fifth generation Mexican-America mariachi musician that values mariachi as the music of his culture. His main inspiration for continuing his family’s musical legacy is his father, who has been a working musician in San Antonio for the past three decades.
“My father worked so hard and sacrificed so much to set me and my siblings up for success,” shared Valenzuela. “He learned the trumpet when he was around 17 years old and learned how to play without the ability to read sheet music. He found a lot of success in performing, accompanying famous singers and performing all across the country. He also is my greatest resource as he knows hundreds if not thousands of songs and always helps me when I am struggling to learn.”
Upon entering UIW, he was shocked to find UIW didn’t have a mariachi group, especially in such a culturally vibrant city as San Antonio, and he wanted to organize a mariachi group that other musicians could join. He felt that his idea was well embraced as he gained the support of the Dean of UIW’s College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS), Dr. Javier Clavere, and Music department faculty. In Spring of 2023, he established Mariachi Cardenal, an initially student-led mariachi group that was originally comprised of 12 members. The group’s size has fluctuated from 23 members in 2024 to 13 in 2025.
“I remember scheduling our rehearsals and trying to recruit Music majors who had experience playing mariachi music,” recalled Valenzuela. “Thanks to word-of-mouth, we quickly had a 12-piece ensemble. We rehearsed and performed for the department recital in front of all Music students and faculty. Following that, we met with Dr. Clavere to see what we could do to make this ensemble into a class. Not long after that, he created the Mariachi Director position and the program has been growing since then.”
Alongside his band members, Valenzuela has played instruments including vihuela, trumpet and he has recently begun picking up guitarron. He has enjoyed meeting and playing with musicians that take the craft of mariachi seriously, as they will be responsible for sharing and spreading the knowledge of music to following generations. Additionally, the opportunity to perform for the community has warmed his heart when he sees the smiles of listeners.
Valenzuela’s musical aspirations show no sign of slowing down, as this talented musician will be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an Emphasis in Music Industry Studies. He will continue to play mariachi in local communities and aspires to be like his father by becoming a full-time musician. He intends to go into the ethnomusicology field, where he can capture field recordings of local musicians in town and help tell their stories, showcasing the intricate network of musicians in local areas.
“This music has made me realize that it’s much bigger than me, and I have to contribute in some way to keep this tradition of music alive and prospering,” said Valenzuela.
As Valenzuela leaves UIW to continue bringing heart-filled music into the world, he leaves this message:
“Seize the day, strive for greatness and put your heart and soul into what makes you happy. Enjoy life even with its ups and downs because it’s a blessing to be alive. Embrace every challenge life throws at you and use it as an opportunity to learn and, most importantly, to grow. Always keep your head up and remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Peace be with y’all!”
Congratulations, J. Refugio Valenzuela!