Cerritos College

Student Spotlight

Roberto Diaz

Tradition is an extremely important part of Latin American cultures and for Roberto Diaz tradition and culture has given him a ticket to play on Broadway in New York.

Music runs in the family of the Mexican born trumpet player. He is the fourth in a line of musicians that includes his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Diaz first picked up the trumpet at the age of eight and has been playing professionally for the last three years.

During that time he has been receiving private lessons at Cerritos College from Alan Hallback to improve on his skills and four months ago he joined Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

The group was formed in 1981. It has recently finished performing in Spain and in Las Vegas.

Diaz joined the group to perform The Passion of Mariachi on Broadway in New York on Sept. 22. The show was to illustrate how Mariachi music has changed throughout time.

“Every time I’m going to play I get a little nervous,” said Diaz speaking in Spanish. “When you’re playing and people are looking at you, you get a little nervous.

“When people start applauding you are no longer nervous, there’s only satisfaction.” 

Story and Photo courtesy of Werner Gomez