Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Ruiz
Hi Eduardo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Eduardo Ruíz, and I’m the director of Mariachi Internacional San Diego. I also teach music for grades TK/K through 8th at Feaster Charter School in Chula Vista and teach brass and mariachi at the La Jolla Music Society’s Community Music Center.
I’ve had a love for music from a young age, inspired by my grandfather, who introduced me to the guitar. He’s been my biggest influence in pursuing music as a profession. I started learning the trumpet in 7th grade as part of a mariachi program at Chula Vista Middle School, under the direction of Mark Fogelquist. This was the beginning of my journey into mariachi music. I later joined the performing ensemble Mariachi Chula Vista, and eventually, the alumni group Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista. I was part of these ensembles from 2008 to 2015 before joining Mariachi Juvenil de San Diego, under the guidance of Serafín Paredes.
It was during these years with Mark and Serafín that I truly learned the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich culture behind mariachi music. Both have been invaluable mentors to me, and I continue to turn to them for professional and musical guidance.
In April of 2023, I founded Mariachi Internacional San Diego with the goal of continuing to preserve the beautiful and vibrant tradition that is mariachi music. Our goal is to share our music with as many people as possible and to bring people together through the power of music—hoping to inspire future generations and open doors through music education, just as our mentors did for us.
With nearly 20 years of experience performing at everything from intimate backyard gatherings and quinceañeras to large community events and concerts, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love—perform music and share our vibrant cultural heritage with our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I consider myself very fortunate to do what I love every day, but it hasn’t always been an easy journey. I couldn’t have gotten to this point without the support of my family, friends, and mentors.
When we started Mariachi Internacional San Diego, we were a small group of just five musicians. Today, we’re a full ensemble of 10, and one of the biggest challenges has been growing the group while maintaining the musical and cultural integrity that defines our mariachi.
As a musician first and a manager second, the administrative side of the business has been the most difficult part for me. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer, and that was my primary focus until founding Mariachi Internacional San Diego. Since then, I’ve had to learn (and am still learning) how to manage logistics, write contracts, handle bookings, run rehearsals, and more. On top of all this, I also teach full-time and run after-school music programs, so balancing these responsibilities while striving for excellence has been challenging. But I set high standards for myself, always aiming to give 110% in everything I do. This commitment to quality is something I continue to prioritize every day. I can’t emphasize enough how crucial the support and guidance I’ve received from family, friends, mentors, and other small business owners has been. Their advice and support has been invaluable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Mariachi Internacional San Diego is a professional mariachi ensemble that celebrates and embraces the rich traditions of México through mariachi music. What sets us apart is not only our dedication to preserving the cultural roots of mariachi but also our passion for sharing that tradition with diverse communities. We specialize in providing high-quality performances for both intimate gatherings and large events.
What I’m most proud of is how much our group has grown musically, and the relationships that we’ve cultivated in our community through music, all while staying true to the musical and cultural traditions of mariachi. Every member of the group has a deep connection to the music, most of us having started our journeys through family members’ connections to music and began our formal music education in local school districts. I cherish the friendships i’ve made through this beautiful music and the unforgettable experiences it has given me. This connection to our community and culture is something that fuels everything we do and we hope that our love and passion translates to our audiences through our music.
My own journey started when my family and I moved from México to the U.S. My parents worked tirelessly, day and night, making countless sacrifices so that my sister and I could have a better future. Their hard work and dedication have always inspired me. Through a lot of perseverance, I’m proud of where I am today, and it drives me to work even harder to build a better future for my family, repaying them one day for everything they’ve done.
Our focus is not only on performing but also on education and cultural outreach. I’m proud to provide opportunities for both our musicians and the audiences we engage with to learn about and connect with mariachi in a meaningful way. Our mission is to continue to inspire future generations of musicians and to bring people together through the power of music.
I believe our authenticity, the heart we put into every performance, and our ongoing commitment to mariachi tradition and music education is what truly sets Mariachi Internacional San Diego apart.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of myself and Mariachi Internacional San Diego wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support I’ve received along the way. First and foremost, my family has been my rock. My parents’ sacrifices and work ethic have been a constant source of inspiration, and I owe so much of my drive to them. My partner, close friends, and the members of the mariachi ensemble have also been essential in every one of our accomplishments. Their dedication, talent, and belief in our mission have helped shape the group into what it is today. We truly are a team, and every member brings their unique energy and passion to our performances.
I also want to acknowledge the mentors who have guided me over the years. Mark Fogelquist, Serafín Paredes, and Wendy Charines were all instrumental in my development as a musician and educator. They taught me not only about the music but about the importance of preserving and respecting the cultural traditions of mariachi. Their mentorship continues to inspire me in my approach to leadership and musical/artistic vision.
Additionally, we’ve been fortunate to receive support from various organizations around San Diego. San Diego Wave FC, San Diego Loyal FC, San Diego FC, Balboa Park, Starlight Bowl, Ballet Folclorico Jalisicense, Ballet Folclorico Wakushma, and The City of Chula Vista have all been incredibly supportive, offering us opportunities to perform and reach wider audiences. And of course, I am deeply grateful to our clients—those who’ve trusted us with their events and believed in our work. Their support has allowed us to continue pursuing our passion and sharing mariachi music with the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Mariachiinternacionalsd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariachi_internacionalsd?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MariachiintSD?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mariachiinternacionalsandiego?si=BI86Zok_9pDlA2DN
