Mariachi Viva Mexico
Internship Links

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Summary Analysis

•Expectations
I did my internship with Mariachi Viva Mexico, directed by Humberto “Beto” Guillen. Going into the internship I was expecting to see the challenges faced by cultural entrepreneurs. I was interested not only in the management style of Beto, but rather the synergy the roles of manager, performer, teaching artist, and a times social worker.   
•Personal Learning Experience
Beto has a great ability to hold information and not reveal it until absolutely necessary.  Though I did not always agree with his decisions to withhold information, but I learned that at times, its better to keep quiet, relax and let things work themselves out.
Though my internship was able to work directly with full-time artist. I was able better understand the challenges faced by independent working artist, such as health care, economic challenges, logistical challenges, etc.
•Professional Learning Experience
I was able to tap into a network of professional mariachi musicians across the Western United States. I’ve established relationships with international venders, gaining access to tailors, leather-smiths, silversmiths, printers, and luthiers in Mexico.
This internship allowed me to explore a world I was already familiar with, yet my role within the organization changed many of my assumptions and understanding of basic concepts such as marketing, networking, and cultural entrepreneurship. I was forced to question the validity of new media. I now understand that networking works at all levels, from the seemingly unimportant doorman to the praised executive director. 
I always had the impression that organizational policy worked from the top down. I’ve since learned that a director/manager is limited to the work culture of the staff.  Beto is constantly walking on eggshells, because without his musicians or without his clients he is out of business.  He juggles fair musician pay with the value his clients put on his music.  This is one example of how Beto executes his role a director, and regardless of what the field or academia defines as best practice, a leader must understand the strengths and limitations his or her environment first.
•Cultural Learning Experience
Though informal interviews and conversation with many mariachis, I learned about professional expectations such as pay, repertoire, and dress.  I was also able expanded my mariachi vocabulary. It was also interesting to see the group dynamics as roles rapidly shifted and musicians shuffled to meet client, group, and logistical needs.
•Theory and Practice
The internship taught me that theory and best practice does not guarantee success for an organization. One must always consider the cultural environment such as the needs of employees and clients.
•Internship and Research
My experience with Mariachi Viva Mexico has opened-up new topics for explorations within cultural entrepreneurship, specifically public policy and apprenticeship.