About Us

About US

Mariachi Orgullo Nacional was founded in 2023 to share the passion, tradition, and cultural richness of mariachi music with audiences across San Diego County.

We are a vibrant youth ensemble composed of talented elementary, middle, and high school students who come together to learn, grow, and perform. United by their love for Mexican music, our members dedicate countless hours to rehearsals and professional development.

Despite being a young group, we have already captivated audiences with energetic performances and authentic interpretations of classic and contemporary mariachi songs.

Our mission is not only to entertain but also to inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve this beautiful tradition. Through music, discipline, and teamwork, we help young musicians build confidence, develop their skills, and create lifelong memories.

What We Value:

Passion for music and culture
Commitment to excellence
Respect, discipline, and collaboration
Community engagement and education

We are proud to be quickly becoming one of San Diego’s most beloved youth mariachi groups, and we look forward to sharing our music with you.

Get to Know the Members

Adrián Alexander Pérez

A proud founding member of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional, he plays the violin and has been part of the group since its very first rehearsal. For Adrián, wearing the mariachi “traje” is a symbol of pride and responsibility. He brings energy, humor, and heart to the group, and sees himself as the fun, playful one who helps lift spirits and keep the group united. His love for mariachi runs deep, and he is proud to carry forward a tradition that celebrates culture, passion, and music. Each performance is an opportunity to share that love with the audience, and he takes great joy in representing MON with excellence and enthusiasm. “¡Que viva la música!” is not just a phrase for him—it’s a way of life.

Amber Mejía

She joined Mariachi Orgullo Nacional in August 2024, and ever since, it has felt like a dream come true. Amber has been singing since she could talk and began playing the violin in seventh grade. Being part of MON has helped her grow as both a musician and a person in ways she never imagined. For her, MON is much more than a musical group—it’s a family full of love, support, and inspiration. She feels incredibly grateful for the music, the memories, and the opportunities to pursue her dreams surrounded by talented and caring people. Through mariachi, she has discovered not only her voice but a deep sense of belonging, and she looks forward to continuing this journey with the same passion and dedication that brought her here.

Daniel Valenzuela

With three years of experience on guitar—two in mariachi and one in classical guitar—he has developed a well-rounded foundation in music. His favorite piece to perform with the group is “Camino Real de Colima,” a song that challenges and energizes him. Beyond playing, Daniel has a strong passion for teaching and enjoys helping others learn mariachi guitar. Guiding students and seeing their progress brings him joy and a sense of purpose. Being part of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional has allowed him to share his love for music with others and to contribute to keeping this tradition alive. He values the sense of unity and pride that comes with each performance and is proud to be part of a group that not only entertains, but also educates and uplifts communities through the beauty of mariachi music.

Felipe de Jesús San Agustín Osorio

Born in Mexico and now a proud member of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional, he brings both passion and dedication to his role as a violinist. At 16 years old, he’s one of the newer members of the group, but his love for music and commitment to mariachi are undeniable. His favorite mariachi group is Los Camperos de Nati Cano, whose performances continue to inspire him. Outside of music, Felipe enjoys playing soccer, staying active through exercise, and listening to romantic boleros. Singing and playing mariachi music bring him happiness, discipline, and a strong connection to his heritage. Being part of MON has given him a sense of belonging and the chance to grow artistically in a space that values tradition, excellence, and community.

Gael Garcia

He is 16 years old and a proud student at Sweetwater High School. As a member of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional, he plays the guitarrón and loves to sing with heart and emotion. Music has become an essential part of his life, helping him grow both personally and artistically. Through mariachi, he has learned the value of strength, discipline, and perseverance. For Gael, MON is not just a musical ensemble—it’s a true family that offers support, friendship, and purpose. Each performance deepens his connection to his heritage and fuels his passion for sharing that culture with others. Being part of this group has shaped his identity, and he cherishes every moment on and off stage.

Isabella López Eguia

She is 11 years old and one of the youngest members of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional. She began playing the violin at the age of four, but it wasn’t until she was seven that she discovered the world of mariachi. At age nine, her father asked if she wanted to join MON—and she said yes without hesitation. Her love for music and singing made the decision easy. Since then, she has embraced every opportunity to grow and perform. Being the youngest hasn’t stopped her from standing out with talent and dedication. Isabella is excited to continue her journey, always learning and sharing her voice through mariachi.

Leonardo Lerma

A dedicated trumpet player with over seven years of experience, he recently graduated from Grossmont High School and is preparing to continue his academic journey at Grossmont College, where he will study criminal justice before transferring to SDSU. His passion for mariachi has been a defining part of his life, and he brings both skill and heart to every performance. Being part of Mariachi Orgullo Nacional allows him to stay connected to his roots while growing as a musician and student. With each note he plays, Leonardo carries forward the tradition of mariachi with pride, discipline, and excitement for what lies ahead—both on stage and in life.

Luis Emmanuel Vázquez

He has been playing the guitarrón for three years and also has experience on both guitar and vihuela. Music has always been a meaningful part of his life, and mariachi holds a special place in his heart. What he loves most is how mariachi connects him to a rich cultural tradition filled with passion and energy. The vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics bring people together in a way that few things can, and being part of that is something he deeply values. Outside of music, Luis enjoys playing sports and video games. Whether he’s performing on stage or simply listening to another group, every note reminds him of the pride and joy that come from being a mariachi musician.

Mayrin Palomares

She has been performing mariachi for nearly three years and brings a deep passion to both playing and singing. Some of her favorite songs to perform are “Mariposa,” “Quizás Mañana,” and “No llega el olvido.” Her mariachi journey began in seventh grade when she enrolled in a school mariachi class, not knowing it would lead to a life-changing experience. A year later, she realized that mariachi was something she wanted to pursue for the rest of her life. She started on guitar, briefly explored the vihuela, and now plays the guitarra de golpe—a unique blend of both instruments. What she values most about mariachi is its power to connect people and evoke emotion. For her, it’s about making people feel something real, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or a heartfelt memory through music.

Mario López Eguia

At 15 years old, he plays the guitarrón, guitar, vihuela, and is currently learning trumpet. Within the group, he plays an important role in teaching armonía and helping ensure the ensemble performs as a united and solid team. His journey began at age twelve when his dad casually asked if he wanted to try mariachi—he agreed half-jokingly, but that moment sparked a path that continues today. Since then, he has performed in places like Guadalajara, Tucson, and even Paris. One of his proudest moments was becoming the youngest guest musician to ever perform with Mariachi Champaña Nevin, led by Dr. Nevin. For him, MON is much more than a group—it’s a family built on dedication, tradition, and love for music.

Sophia Eguia

She is currently 13 years old and has been playing mariachi for almost three years. Her journey began in a preparatory mariachi group where she played the ukulele, and she later joined Mariachi Orgullo Nacional as a vihuela player. Since then, she has had the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and meet incredible people. These experiences have deeply impacted her and inspired her love for mariachi even more. For Sophia, being part of MON means learning, growing, and creating memories through music. She looks forward to continuing this journey and discovering all the new places mariachi will take her next.