Editor’s note: Every year, hundreds of undergraduates at the University of Delaware pursue research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Such experiences provided by UD — a nationally recognized research university — can be life-changing, introducing young scholars to a new field, perhaps even the path to a future career, as they uncover new knowledge. These spotlights offer a glimpse into their world. 

You probably have a favorite tune or style of music that always lifts your spirits or connects you to a special someone, place, or moment in time. Music has the incredible power to do that.

For University of Delaware senior Alondra Gonzalez, an honors music education major from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Mexican folk music has been a part of her life for as far back as she can remember, adding to the excitement and joy at birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, virtually every big family celebration. The music created by the mariachis wearing their traditional traje de charros, or “suit of the horsemen,” is a part of her cultural heritage that she is passionate to learn more about.

While Gonzalez loves the signature sound of the instruments the mariachis play, including trumpet, violin, guitar and bass guitar (guitarrón), as a vocalist herself, she is especially interested in learning more about the vocal techniques the mariachis use — a subject she is studying with Noel Archambeault, associate professor of voice, in the University of Delaware’s School of Music. 

Why did you want to pursue this project — and what does your research entail?

Gonzalez: Mexican folk music has a long and rich history with so much cultural influence. I am an active vocalist, and it is my own experience in learning this style of music that inspired me to pursue this research. 

When talking about vocal technique, that essentially entails the ways in which we use our voices to achieve a certain sound — the vowel shapes, placement of your sound, and the engagement in your body. Various styles of singing require different techniques, but Mexican folk music, in particular, does not have a lot of research in terms of the technique that is used to produce its unique sound. 

The first part of my research is surveying and interviewing ensembles and groups and asking about how they began working in these styles of music, or how they work on their own singing. In the future, I do hope to further this research by using software to analyze the vocals.

How do you describe this music for those who may not be familiar with it?

Gonzalez: Mariachi and Mexican folk music tends to come in many forms. This could range from large ensembles with large guitars, violins, trumpets, and also uniform suits, known as a charro. This could also look as simple as a singular soloist playing the guitar. The music is rich in both sound and meaning, with songs ranging from love and loss, to joy and celebration. Growing up, I always associated this music with my family and celebration. At the most important points of life, like weddings, birthday parties, etc., I have always remembered this music playing a huge part in that. 

Why does research like this matter? 

Gonzalez: This style of singing has yet to truly be thoroughly researched. There are some books on technique and whatnot, but in terms of research, it is not nearly as studied as styles such as classical, commercial music, or musical theatre. 

What’s the coolest thing about being involved in this project? Have you had any surprising or especially memorable experiences? 

Gonzalez: The coolest thing about being involved in this project is getting to meet new people in this area of music. Making connections is something I truly enjoy in the realm of music. 

Is there anything you've discovered about yourself and your career goals as you've worked on the project? 

Gonzalez: As I have worked on this project, I have truly found joy in working closely with a style of music I have grown up with. I find myself feeling so passionate about my culture and what I was raised listening to. Researching this style of music has really opened me up to the possibilities of different methodologies in research and how other styles of music can be further researched. I hope to continue my research beyond Summer Scholars to open up more discussions about various cultural styles of music. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Gonzalez: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and playing with my dog!