Julián Arizola - Vihuela

Julián Gámez-Arizola is originally from Laredo, TX where he began his musical career under the guidance of Francisco Javier Sosa. While in Laredo, he was a member of many mariachis including Mariachi Los Tigres del Sur, Palomino, Aztlán, Fuego Azteca, and Los Tequileros. While a member of Mariachi Aztlán, he performed in Washington, D.C. at the nation’s Capitol for Laredo Day (2000-2001).

He attended Texas State University, and studied percussion with Tony Edwards (Austin Symphony Orchestra) and John Lopez (Salsa del Río). Aside from lessons at Texas State, he has performed with the Concert band, Symphonic band, Percussion Ensemble, PASIC Drumline, Bobcat Band, Salsa del Río and Mariachi Nueva Generación, and studied voice with Susan Fernández (Austin Community College). Julián has also been a member of many mariachi groups in Central Texas including, Mariachi Suroeste, Chapala, and Los Gallos.

He is currently affiliated with Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and the Percussive Arts Society. He was the Assistant Student Coordinator for "Fiesta del Mariachi" (2002-2004) at Texas State’s yearly mariachi conference, Assistant Coordinator/Clinician for the 2008 AISD All-City Mariachi Festival and Assistant Coordinator for the 2007-2008 Travis High School Mariachi Pachanga, the school’s yearly fundraiser. He is called often to judge UIL Mariachi and clinic for both mariachi and drumline in the South Texas area. For several years now, Julián has been invited to workshop with “El Mejor Mariachi del Mundo”, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán in San Antonio and Austin.

In April 2004, he won an audition for the Mariachi Show "M" in Las Vegas, NV, where he shared the stage with professional mariachi musicians five nights a week at the historic Aladdin Hotel and Casino, now Planet Hollywood. Julián has also performed at the Los Angeles County Fair and the famed Hollywood Bowl.

Since then, he has recorded one album with Mariachi Tamazula; Con Orgullo Mexicano (2008).

Julián works extensively around the Central Texas area. He is currently the Director of Mariachis at C.D. Fulkes Middle School and Stony Point High School in Round Rock ISD.