| Alan Lopez | Vihuela/Voice, President |
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Alan is an Electrical Engineering major from Martel College, Class of 2023. A proud Angelino, Alan was inspired to learn how to play guitar after going to a Beatles Tribute band concert where they threw a guitar pick out to the audience that landed right in front of him. He joined Mariachi Luna Llena to feel more connected to his Mexican heritage and culture. A Mariachi is a symbol of joy and celebration in the Mexican culture, and being part of Mariachi Luna Llena allows him to share this joy with others as well as make his family proud. Alan loves the strong bonds and friendships that he’s formed with the other members of the mariachi, making this a truly defining experience for him during his time at Rice. |
| Benjamin Gomez | Trumpet |
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| Andrea Galindo-Escamilla | Voice/Guitar |
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Andrea was born and raised in Guadalajara, the birthplace of mariachi. Although she has a master’s in Ecological Restoration from UNAM, and is currently a Pre-Award specialist at Rice, her passion is in the performing arts. She began singing at a very early age and recently learned to play the guitar. Andrea enjoys being part of the mariachi to share her culture with her daughter and the Houston community. |
| Desiree Sanchez | Violin |
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Desiree is a fellow Houstonian who started playing violin in 6th grade Orchestra in 2003. She continued playing in Orchestra through high school, college, and eventually became an Orchestra Director after having been inspired by the musicians who built her. Desiree grew up listening to traditional Mexican music in her home and always wanted to be a part of a mariachi group, especially after having visited Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City as a child. She is happy that she is now continuing this Mexican tradition and sharing music with friends and the Houston community. Desiree will play at all gigs that involve tamales. |
| Anna Tetreault | Viola, Music Director |
| Anna is a Computer Science major working on a certificate in Spanish from Sid Richardson College, class of 2025. Starting on viola when she was eight, Anna continued to play in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and pit orchestras throughout her life. She joined Mariachi Luna Llena to learn about and connect with her Mexican heritage and culture. The community, friends, and family she has formed in this group have made it one of her favorite Rice experiences. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Anna is excited to continue her musical career through this Mexican tradition. If she’s not figuring out the violin parts on her viola, she’s attempting to learn the guitarrón. |
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| Cadan Hanson | Trumpet, Treasurer |
| Cadan is a Class of 2024 Mechanical Engineering major. Cadan is a member of Will Rice College and runs track for the Rice Men’s Track & Field and Cross Country teams. Cadan grew up in Spring, TX and played trumpet throughout school. He played with various groups including band ensembles, church bands, orchestras and jazz bands. Cadan joined the Mariachi Luna Llena at Rice so that he could play a different type of music, learn more about Mexican and Hispanic culture and be a part of an awesome family. He enjoys being part of an amazing group and is slowly getting better at his Spanish. | |
| Daniela Bonsher | Violin |
 Credit Ibrahim Elsharkawy |
Daniela is Class of 2025, is from Lovett College and studying History with a minor in Museums and Cultural Heritage. She began playing violin when she was ten, then continuing to compete and play in various philharmonic, symphonic, and chamber orchestras and ensembles in school. Born and raised in the border town of El Paso, TX, Daniela has also grown up in a culture-rich environment. Being a member of Mariachi Luna Llena has given her the opportunities to explore a new genre of music through violin and singing, celebrate her Mexican culture, and cultivate cherished friendships with the other band members – making it a truly special experience that she enjoys every moment of. |
| Ethan Yang | Violin, Co-Secretary |
 Credit Ibrahim Elsharkawy |
Ethan is a Class of 2024 Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering major at Will Rice College. Growing up in Allen, Texas, Ethan began his musical journey by playing piano at age five. He began playing violin in middle school through his school orchestra. Unfortunately, after starting school at TAMS in junior year of high school, Ethan took a break from music. Joining Mariachi Luna Llena has provided him an avenue to rekindle his musical interest while learning a completely different musical style. More importantly, playing with the group has allowed him to absorb the nuances of Mexican culture while becoming part of a tight-knit family. Ethan is truly grateful to have found a place within Mariachi Luna Llena and sees it as one of the best experiences of his time at Rice. |
| Elmo Garza | Guitarrón |
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Credit Ibrahim Elsharkawy |
Elmo is a Mechanical Engineering major from Jones College, Class of 2023. Coming from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, Elmo pursued Mariachi as a way to connect with his Hispanic roots |
| Ulises “Teddy” Hubbard | Vihuela/voice |
| Teddy was born with a guitar in his hands. It was very hard on his mom. Since then, he’s tried his hand at cello, bass, drums, and piano, but the six string will always be his ol’ reliable. By day, he studies mechanical engineering, but by night, he also studies mechanical engineering. The work never ends. The only difference is the sleep deprivation deludes him into thinking he can drop out and take to Mexico with a guitar and a dream, busking the streets and living by the day. Hasn’t happened just yet. Until then, he fulfills his fantasy playing with Mariachi Luna Llena. Maybe one day he’ll convince them to join him on his Aventura Mexicana™ | |
