MARIACHI

Mexican string orchestra composed of violins, guitars (large and small), harps, mandolins, and double basses; brass wind instruments are sometimes included. The size of the orchestra varies from 3 to 12 players, and the instrumentation changes from performance to performance. The mariachi accompanies folk music in the city streets and plays both traditional and recently composed popular music. The ensemble's early use at weddings explains the derivation of its name, which is perhaps a Mexican-Spanish variation from French mariage, marriage. The word mariachi also refers to an individual folk singer.