Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles stands out as both a first-rate ensemble and a groundbreaking ensemble in the genre. Formed in 1994 in South El Monte, California, the band originated when José Hernández, serving on the board of the nonprofit Mariachi Heritage Society, observed that young participants in its music program had already mastered core instruments such as the violin, trumpet, and guitarrón mexicano. Recognizing the scarcity of female instrumentalists who could serve as role models—since women in mariachi had traditionally appeared only as vocalists—Hernández assembled the group from female students ranging in age from early teens to mid-thirties, thereby establishing the first all-female mariachi band in the United States. Over the ensuing years the lineup has seen some founding members depart while others have stayed, with new players brought in to maintain a roster of roughly a dozen musicians.
Since its debut the ensemble has steadily broadened its visibility, performing across the United States and throughout Mexico. It has issued three albums—Solo Tuya in 1996, El Mejor Mariachi Femenino del Mundo in 2002, and the 2009 Latin Grammy-nominated and American Grammy-nominated Compañeras—while also contributing to the soundtrack of the 2003 film Seabiscuit. Additional appearances have included private events for John Travolta, Tom Petty, and George Harrison, culminating in a 2009 performance at the White House Cinco de Mayo celebration for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
