Alberto Ranjel, III has been a pillar of the mariachi community for nearly his entire life. Known for his dynamic stage presence, vocal prowess, and violin precision, he is also a respected arranger, composer and educator. Even in his teens, he was already sharing the stage with the best of the best: Adalberto Gallegos, Mariachi Cobre and Mariachi Los Camperos, to name a few. In the past decade, Alberto has dedicated himself to the training of young mariachis, becoming a champion of the art form that many gravitate to for his knowledge, experience, and insight. He has long served as the musical director of El Mariachi Tapatio de Tucson, where he has been a member for sixteen years. Alberto has overseen performances not only across the United States and Mexico, but organized tours in Japan, Italy and Austria, bringing the art form to dozens of cultures and peoples for the first time. A true ambassador of music, Alberto also arranged pieces for Mariachi Tapatio to perform with the Sons of Orpheus, one of Tucson’s prominent men’s choirs The resulting concerts were a truly unique and beautiful union of classical and folk music, praised by fans of both genres.