Mariachi Orgullo de America

Robert Ruiz

Violin • Guitarrón • Musical Director

Robert Ruiz is the founder and musical director of Mariachi Orgullo de América and has dedicated more than two decades to preserving and promoting mariachi music in Oklahoma. Under his leadership, the group has become one of the region's most recognized mariachi ensembles, performing for thousands of weddings, quinceañeras, community celebrations, corporate events, and cultural festivals.

In addition to directing Mariachi Orgullo de América, Robert has been a passionate advocate for mariachi education and cultural preservation. He has helped mentor countless young musicians and has worked to expand opportunities for mariachi performance and instruction throughout Oklahoma. His commitment to developing future generations of performers has helped strengthen the mariachi tradition across the state.

For Robert, mariachi is more than music—it is family, culture, and community. Through every performance, he strives to honor the traditions of the genre while creating meaningful experiences that connect people to their heritage and to one another.

Alejandra Guerrero

Violin

Alejandra Guerrero is a violinist from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and has been involved in mariachi for seven years, including two years in the Academia OKC mariachi programs and five years with Mariachi Orgullo de América.

She began playing violin at age nine and later participated in orchestra, choir, and band throughout middle and high school. In eighth grade, she joined her school's mariachi program, a decision that became one of the most meaningful parts of her musical journey.

As a member of Mariachi Orgullo de América, Alejandra has performed on stages of all sizes and shared the stage with renowned artists including Ana Gabriel and Ana Bárbara. As a Mexican-American, she values mariachi as a connection to her heritage and a way to preserve cultural traditions while bringing people together through music.


Amanda Carrillo - Flute

Amanda Carrillo is a flutist from Goldsby, Oklahoma, and has been performing with Mariachi Orgullo de América since 2019. She began playing flute at age ten and has continued developing her musicianship through years of band participation and private instruction.

While Mariachi Orgullo de América has provided opportunities to perform for large audiences and special events, Amanda's favorite experiences are the intimate gatherings where families invite the group to be part of their celebrations. She considers it a privilege to share music during these meaningful moments and values the connections that are created through those performances.

For Amanda, mariachi is both an art form and a community. It provides a meaningful way to connect with others through music while celebrating the traditions and experiences that bring people together.

Austin Vasicek

Trumpet

Austin Vasicek is a trumpet player from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has been performing mariachi music for three years. He studied music performance at the University of Central Oklahoma and has served as a member of the 145th Army Band for nearly twelve years.

Austin especially enjoys performing for weddings, quinceañeras, birthdays, and other family celebrations. He considers it an honor to be trusted with helping create memorable experiences during some of life's most important moments.

Although he does not come from a Hispanic background, Austin values the opportunity to share in the traditions and culture of mariachi music and is honored to bring that experience to audiences throughout Oklahoma.

Diego Gámez

Violin

Diego Gámez is a violinist from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with family roots in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. He joined Mariachi Orgullo de América in late 2025 and performed his first event with the group in March 2026.

Diego began his musical training at age seven through the El Sistema program and later studied privately with violinist Angelica Pereira. He is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he studies under Dr. Hong Zhu and performs with the university's orchestras.

One of Diego's most memorable mariachi experiences was performing his first event with Mariachi Orgullo de América. While initially outside of his comfort zone, the experience helped him grow as a musician and performer. He also treasures the opportunity to perform with the UCO Symphony Orchestra for the Chickasaw Nation, including a performance of a work by composer Zach García.

For Diego, mariachi is one of the most unique and recognizable expressions of Mexican culture. He values the distinctive role each instrument plays within the ensemble and appreciates the way mariachi serves as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and tradition throughout Mexico and Latin America.

Dresan Alexander

Trumpet

Originally from Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Dresan Alexander is a trumpet player who joined Mariachi Orgullo de América in 2023. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and later pursued graduate studies in trumpet performance at the University of Oklahoma.

Dresan also serves with the 145th Oklahoma Army National Guard Band and has completed training at the Army School of Music. His musical career includes experiences in jazz performance, military music, instrument repair, and professional ensemble work.

For Dresan, mariachi has provided a meaningful connection to his family heritage and culture. Through Mariachi Orgullo de América, he has found opportunities to learn more about traditions that were not a significant part of his childhood while participating in important moments in the lives of others.

Emma Gaona

Flute

Emma Gaona is a flutist from Edmond, Oklahoma, and has performed with Mariachi Orgullo de América for two years. She studied flute performance at Oklahoma City University and is also a member of the 145th Army National Guard Band.

Her accomplishments include being named the 2023 Young Artist Winner of the Oklahoma City Community Orchestra Concerto Competition and performing at the National Flute Association Convention as a member of the OCU Polaris Quintet.

For Emma, mariachi represents family, heritage, and connection. She values the way mariachi music brings generations together and honors the cultural traditions passed down through her family.

Eric Morales Espinoza

Violin • Guitarrón • Vihuela

Eric Morales Espinoza is a multi-instrumentalist from Oklahoma City who has performed mariachi music for seven years, including four years professionally. He developed his musical foundation through Oklahoma City Public Schools and the Academia OKC Mariachi Program before joining Mariachi Orgullo de América in 2021.

He has had the opportunity to perform alongside artists including Ana Gabriel and Majo Aguilar and credits numerous educators and mentors for helping shape his musical development.

For Eric, mariachi is the sound of culture, family, and identity. He views every performance as an opportunity to honor his heritage and help carry the tradition forward for future generations.

Ian Gonzalez

Trumpet

Ian Gonzalez is a trumpet player from Elgin, Oklahoma, and has been performing with Mariachi Orgullo de América for the past year. He studied music at the University of Oklahoma.

Although he had never experienced a live mariachi performance before joining the group, Ian quickly fell in love with the music after attending his first rehearsal.

He considers it an honor to perform music that holds such deep meaning for audiences and values the opportunity to share in important cultural traditions through every performance.

Jared Muñoz

Flute • Violin

Jared Muñoz is a musician from Oklahoma City who performs both flute and violin with Mariachi Orgullo de América. He spent three years in the Academia OKC program before joining the professional ensemble and has now been involved in mariachi for a total of seven years.

Jared is currently pursuing a degree in flute performance at Oklahoma State University, where he studies under Dr. Erin Murphy and Dr. Sydney Burton. He remains active in both classical and mariachi performance settings throughout Oklahoma.

Mariachi allows Jared to stay connected to his cultural heritage while continuing to grow as a versatile musician across multiple musical traditions.

Jordan Friedemann

Flute

Jordan Friedemann is a flutist from Norman, Oklahoma, and has been performing mariachi music for approximately one year. He earned his Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma and currently serves as the Mariachi Director at Santa Fe South High School and Middle School.

Jordan first became involved with mariachi through friends in the 145th Army Band and quickly developed a passion for the music, culture, and community that surround the tradition.

He values the relationships built through mariachi and enjoys helping students discover the same appreciation for the music that inspired him to become involved.

Joseph Messick

Violin

Joseph Messick has been performing mariachi music since 2016 and joined Mariachi Orgullo de América in 2019. Originally from Oklahoma City, he holds advanced degrees in viola performance and arts administration from DePauw University and Oklahoma City University.

Throughout his career, Joseph has participated in numerous memorable performances ranging from major concerts and community events to collaborations with nationally recognized artists.

For Joseph, Mariachi Orgullo de América represents family, community impact, cultural celebration, and the opportunity to use music to connect with people in meaningful ways.

Kevin Stringfellow

Trumpet

Kevin Stringfellow is a trumpet player from Norman, Oklahoma, with more than seventeen years of mariachi experience. His musical background includes studies at the University of Oklahoma and performances in jazz, mariachi, and contemporary ensembles.

One of his favorite mariachi experiences was performing alongside the Oklahoma Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. He also treasures opportunities to perform during important life events such as weddings, engagements, and celebrations of life.

Kevin believes mariachi is one of the most meaningful ways to bring joy to a community and create lasting memories for audiences.

Maritza Ruiz

Violin

Maritza Ruiz was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. She has been performing mariachi music for eleven years and developed her musical foundation through orchestra programs and private violin instruction.

Throughout her school years, she participated in advanced orchestras and earned top ratings in competitive performances. Her background in classical music continues to influence her musicianship today.

Maritza enjoys helping make important life events memorable for families while sharing mariachi traditions and helping people feel connected to their culture and loved ones.

Ward Sahrij

Violin

Ward Sahrij is a violinist originally from Syria who joined Mariachi Orgullo de América in 2025. His musical training is rooted in classical violin performance, and he also performs with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony.

His experiences in both orchestral and mariachi settings have allowed him to explore different musical traditions while connecting with diverse audiences.

Ward is drawn to mariachi's vibrant energy, rich harmonies, and emotional depth. He appreciates the way mariachi music brings joy to audiences and creates meaningful cultural connections.

Yasmin Ruiz

Violin

Yasmin Ruiz is a violinist from Norman, Oklahoma, who has been performing mariachi music for approximately four years. Her musical background includes both orchestra and mariachi performance, where she has continued developing her skills as an ensemble musician.

One of Yasmin's favorite aspects of mariachi is participating in community events and celebrations where the music becomes part of important moments in people's lives.

For Yasmin, mariachi provides an opportunity to preserve tradition and contribute to meaningful experiences through music.

My suggestion would be to make Robert's bio the longest (because he's the founder/director), keep everyone else's around 120–180 words, and then create a separate "Meet the Musicians" page with headshots and these bios. That gives the site a polished, professional feel while still highlighting the personalities and stories behind the group.