Meet the Members!

Vihuela/Guitarrón/Vocals

Hello! My name is Jackie Zavala, and I’m 24 years old. I’m the director and founder of Mariachi Raíces. I graduated from Stanislaus State in Spring 2025 with a B.M. in Music Composition and a B.A. in Music Technology.

During my time at Stan State, I studied classical guitar and voice and performed in various ensembles. I grew up listening to Mariachi Music through my parents. I got the chance to learn more about mariachi music during my time playing with Stan State Mariachi, where I also had the opportunity to compose and arrange music for the ensemble. I love performing, songwriting, and composing music. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and mariachi holds a very special place in my heart.

I deeply love mariachi and my Mexican culture. Being able to perform for my community and represent my culture through music means everything to me.

Outside of mariachi, I also enjoy playing classic rock and metal, and I’m the lead guitarist for a band called Rearview Mirror.

Thank you all again for the continued support!

Violin Section Leader/Vocals

My name is Yajari Aguilar! I am 21 years old and I have the honor of being the violin section leader for Mariachi Raíces!

I am currently studying as a Music Education major at Stanislaus State and will be graduating in Spring 2026! I have had amazing opportunities to perform with so many groups but nothing can beat performing for my people. Being in Mariachi Raíces has allowed me to learn and grow as a musician. I joined for the love in this community, the music making with amazing folks, and to appreciate my culture more. It’s been an honor performing in this group!

I also happen to be part of Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity! I LOVE MY SAI SISTERS ✨🌹

Trumpet Section Leader/Vocals

Hello my name is Jose Chavez! I'm currently a student at Stanislaus State and at the school I started taking a mariachi class. That is when my love for mariachi started. Playing in this mariachi group I have learned so much and have had so much fun collaborating and playing with these very talented musicians. I can't wait to see what's next!

Trumpet

Hello! My name is Alexa Barriga and I recently turned 20 years old! I’ve been playing the trumpet since my junior year of high school. I am currently studying Music Education at CSU Stanislaus. In the past year I joined the Latin American Music Ensemble at Stan State. I became very connected to it as growing up with my Mexican grandparents, they introduced me to a lot of mariachi music and I am so glad to finally be a part of this talented group! I have greatly enjoyed my first few performances and I am looking forward to growing with this amazing group of musicians!

Lead Guitar/Vocals

Hello! My name is Adrian Vega. I am 26 years old. I studied Music Performance with an emphasis in Classical Guitar. I joined Mariachi Raíces to participate in music from my culture and expand my experience as a guitarist. I enjoy playing Mexican music including corridos and norteños, mariachi also holds as a nice contrast to these but still has similar elements.

Armonia/Vocals

Hi Everyone! My name is Ivan Quintero-Ruiz! I am one of the proud Guitarists and Vocalists of Mariachi Raíces!

I am 22 years old, about to be 23! I recently graduated from California State University - Stanislaus as a Double Major in Music Technology and Studio Art! I recently started learning Mariachi music about two years ago to get closer to my culture and I’ve grown to love the music a lot! Mariachi Raíces has given me the opportunity to expand, express, and connect that love and passion for my culture and music! It’s an honor to be in such an amazing, friendly and supportive community and I can’t wait for what the future has in store for us and I can’t wait to perform more for such an amazing community and beautiful culture!! ¡Qué Viva Mariachi Raíces! 🗣️🔥