Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricardo Gabaldón, Jr.
Ricardo, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico allows students from all backgrounds to experience and understand music and dance as elements of Mexican heritage, giving Chicano students, in particular, a special opportunity to learn about, identify with, and express pride in their culture and to interact with Chicanos and Latinos on campus. Every year our group averages over 30 performances for local schools, civic organizations and community events.
Through these events the group exposes its audiences to the rich and vibrant world of Mexican folk dance and both traditional and contemporary música latina, thereby fostering an appreciation and pride in Mexican tradition and culture. The group was organized in 1975 by Ricardo Gabaldón, Sr. as the cornerstone of Righetti’s Bilingual-Bicultural Program. Upon his retirement in 2014, “Mr. G.” proudly handed over the reins of the group to his son, Ricardo A. Gabaldón (Jr.) who, in addition to directing the group, teaches Spanish at Righetti High School.
The group consists of 40 talented musicians and dancers. The band’s repertoire highlights the richness and variety of Mexican and Latino musical styles, from traditional Mariachi favorites, upbeat Cumbias, Pop Latino, Rock n’ Español, popular hits by contemporary Chicano and Latino musicians, and a variety of other Latin, Salsa, and Tropical rhythms. The group emphasizes the beauty and value of preserving traditional Mexican and Latino music and dance and begins each show with Las Gaviotas, the very first song learned by the first group back in 1975.
The Ballet Folklórico performs dances from several of Mexico’s most popular regions, including the Norteño states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora, Nuevo León and Baja California Norte. Especially popular are dances from the states of Sinaloa, Veracruz, Nayarit, and Jalisco, each renowned for their brilliant costumes, vibrant and inspirational music, and for the gaiety and joy that they reflect. Many of the songs and dances have been passed on from one group to the next. The general success of the dance group has been that student leaders assume the responsibility of teaching the group, sharing their steps and performance techniques with incoming group members.
Another key is that a few extraordinary alumni members play an extra special role, volunteering their time to teach the dances and keep these wonderful traditions alive. Many of the group’s performances are held for Central Coast elementary schools, providing the students with an opportunity to see young teens performing music and dances portraying the beauty and joy of Mexican culture, and to observe the group’s members as positive role models.
Performances such as these are essential to the development of positive self-esteem among all youth and are also an important method of promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect. Since 1975, the Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico has given over 1,600 performances throughout the Central Coast. The group has also done performing tours to Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. In 1982, the group was invited to perform in Mexico City by Mexico’s Secretary of Education. The group returned in 1984 for performances in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. The group has also performed at Disneyland and the Queen Mary.
Special honors include participating in the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in San Francisco in 1995; helping Santa María win “All-America City” honors in Mobile, Alabama in 1998; representing Santa Barbara County at the 1999 Inauguration Celebration of Governor-elect Gray Davis; and performing for talk show hostess, Cristina Sarálegui in 2005. The Ballet Folklórico has also performed at the Santa Barbara Mariachi Festival on three occasions since 2007 with headliners Beatriz Adriana, Yolanda del Río, Aida Cuevas, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and others.
As of 2016, both the Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico are UC-approved college prep classes which fulfill the college entrance requirement for Visual and Performing Arts.
Currently, Sr. Gabaldón is expanding the curriculum to develop career pathways under the Career Technical Education program in Dance/Choreography and Music. Future students will gain technical skills, knowledge and training pertaining to career opportunities with an emphasis in careers in the arts, performance productions, and management.
Throughout its rich 40-plus year history, the Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico has distinguished itself by developing a tradition of quality and excellence in presenting Mexican folk dances and music. We sincerely appreciate your continued interest in and support of our group. ¡Muchísimas gracias!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is a constant challenge to recruit students, especially males for the folklórico dance class.
Another challenge is finding the funding to maintain and improve instruments, equipment and costumes. I many respects our group is self-sufficient. We ask for donations for performing for local schools, civic organizations and community events.
We also fundraise and put on two gala performances each year to raise money through ticket sales and food concessions.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Righetti High School Marimba Band and Ballet Folklórico – what should we know?
I believe what sets us apart from other folklórico groups is that our marimba band and ballet folkórico perform in tandem regularly. It is a great partnership. Logistically, when the two groups take turns performing selections it allows for the performers to make costume changes to reflect the genre or region we are representing. It also adds a lot of variety for the audience.
We focus on traditional genres and regions but also highlight more contemporary pieces such as salsa, rock en español, zoot suit, Selena and many others over the years. Each year we begin adding new selections to our repertoire, in essence rotating through genres, so that both our students and audience are engaged with new material.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My dad deserves a lot of credit for creating and nurturing this group. He was instrumental in developing the program and gaining support and recognition from the community.
Many Santa Maria Joint Union High School administrators over the years have supported the program and provided funding, facilities, and class sections for the program to grow.
Currently, my wife Michelle Gabaldón is my right hand. She spends countless hours helping with costume repair, construction and checkout. She also coordinates makeup with the female students. She’s a good listener and the students enjoy talking to her. The affectionately call her Mama G.
Contact Info:
- Address: 941 E. Foster Rd. Santa Maria, Ca 93455
- Website: https://sites.google.com/site/rhsfolkloricomarimba/home?pli=1
- Phone: (805) 937-2051 x2502
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhsmarimballet/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RHSmarimbabandballetfolklorico
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RHSmarimballet
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