Irineo Yanez often preaches to his students the importance of being “present and proud” on stage.
“Be a showman,” he says from behind a 4-foot wooden podium at Roosevelt High School.
For Yanez, music is a vital part of life. The music teacher by day is a devoted mariachi performer by night. He said he feels most comfortable in front of a class or on stage holding a violin with Los Reyes, the professional mariachi group he performs with on weekends.
At Roosevelt High, Yanez teaches a mariachi class of 55 students and instills the value of performance. That showmanship will be especially needed when they perform at the upcoming East L.A. Classic football game held at SoFi Stadium on Oct. 25.
“Be proud and confident in your playing; be a musician and performer,” Yanez said as he worked to prepare the students for the big event during a recent morning practice.
In mariachi, the captivating sounds of the vihuela, guitarrón, and guitars, combined with the complexity of the violin and the powerful trumpet are what help create an unforgettable experience. The performers, dressed in colorful suits that symbolize a rich Mexican heritage, add to the show.
Yanez’s passion for music has a big impact on his teaching and his students. He combines rigorous instruction with humor, using laughter to help break down barriers. He encourages students to push past their limits and celebrates their breakthroughs.
“Mariachi class is definitely fulfilling – better than any other class,” said Freddy Trujillo, president of the mariachi club. “This is the reason I want to come to school. Yanez takes the mariachi program seriously. It’s not just about the material; it’s about engaging with him. It’s a good place to let loose in a disciplined way while still having fun. For me, it’s what I love at school.”
Whether reminding students “to take your instruments home and practice” or engaging in one-on-one sessions, Yanez strives for professionalism in his students – in both skill and presentation. His words carry weight, as he is a proud member of the community, a Latino from Los Angeles’ Eastside.
“He’s genuine with me,” said Dimitry Stetgnitz, a RHS junior and trumpet player. “I wasn’t the best, and I’m still struggling, but he acknowledges my growth. It means something to me that he accepted me when he did and has consistently wanted me to get better.”
In performances, Yanez emphasizes that focusing and being present is just as important as sounding good. “You must listen to your team,” he often reminds them. “To sound good, you have to be proud and confident in your playing.”
Yanez’s love for music began with playing the violin at age 9. Taught by his grandfather, he grew up in a home filled with music. “My dad would hang out on Saturdays with tapes, listening to Vicente Fernández and other old-school artists,” he said.
His community also influenced his path to becoming a musician. He attended Belvedere Middle School, Garfield High School, and later, Roosevelt for his senior year. Throughout high school, he played in mariachi and orchestra bands, honing his skills.
Even during tough times, playing has been a constant in his life. As a teen parent, he became a professional mariachi to provide for his family. He said the pressure helped him thrive. Because of mariachi, he was able to work in an industry he loved while pursuing a college degree at Pasadena City College, “instead of flipping burgers or working in a warehouse.”
Initially pursuing a business degree, Yanez realized that music was his true passion. He immersed himself in orchestra programs throughout his education. He experienced his first taste of teaching as a teaching assistant at Plaza de la Raza. For the past nine years, he has found a home at Roosevelt, where he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians.
“I consider myself a musician, [but] I love teaching mariachi,” Yanez said. “That’s the [genre] I love most.”
The East L.A. Classic will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, at SoFi Stadium. JV football will take the field at 3:30 p.m. with girls’ flag football on at 6 ahead of the varsity game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online via Ticketmaster.
Editor’s Note: The author of this story, Chicuei Ehecatl, participates in the Roosevelt High School mariachi band.
Really enjoyed this article. It’s a relief as a parent to know that there are talented and caring teachers in our community.
Amazing article! Blessings to Rosevelt High for having such an amazing instructor!
What a beautiful article highlighting what Mariachi music truly means and how it can impact our communities. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story of a true mariachi artist! It would be an honor to meet him one day. May the upcoming game be filled with great success!