Jaime Cuéllar is a mariachi musician, educator, and founder of Mariachi Garibaldi, a youth mariachi ensemble based in the Central Valley. Though he does not consider himself a formally trained musician, Jaime has spent decades cultivating musical talent in others—especially young people—and is deeply respected for his emphasis on discipline and community-centered learning.

Born into a musical family, Jaime was originally drawn to modern music and played piano, but his perspective shifted dramatically in the 1970s after attending a performance by Mariachi Los Camperos. That experience inspired him to fully embrace mariachi, a genre he came to value for its sound and cultural power. It was also Los Camperos who later inspired his son, Jimmy Cuéllar, setting the foundation for a multigenerational family legacy.

Jaime’s deep respect for mariachi music shaped his life’s work. Raised in Bakersfield among siblings who played this music, he was initially drawn to piano and modern music—until seeing Mariachi Los Camperos perform in the 1970s. That moment marked his desire to learn and play mariachi music for life. The experience also inspired his son, Jimmy Cuéllar, who would go on to become a renowned composer, arranger, and member of Mariachi Los Camperos.

He created Mariachi Garibaldi in part to support Jimmy’s musical development. He wanted him to grow up with strong musical role models and avoid picking up habits that he believed were common in other groups. From its inception, Mariachi Garibaldi was grounded in daily practice, artistic discipline, and a commitment to repertoire. The ensemble began with a group of children, many of whom had little to no experience. Through regular rehearsals and community support, they began performing publicly and eventually accompanied major artists like Johana del Río and Yesenia Flores.

For Jaime, musical success depends less on individual virtuosity than on collective effort, deep respect for tradition, and sincere expression. He often reminds young musicians to play with heart rather than ego, and to study foundational repertoire—especially older songs that resonate across generations. Though he humbly insists he was never a great musician, his vision and values have profoundly shaped mariachi culture in the region.

Passionate about education, Jaime frequently discusses the need for qualified mariachi instructors in schools—particularly for young students just beginning to learn foundational techniques. He believes that poor early instruction can lead to bad habits difficult to reverse. For Jaime, proper musical education—rooted in cultural respect—is essential to keeping mariachi vibrant, relevant, and connected to the community.

A strong advocate for women in mariachi, Jaime welcomed musicians like Carmen Dias into his group when few did, setting a standard for inclusion in the field. Today, Mariachi Garibaldi continues under the leadership of Jaime’s former students, who carry forward the values he built into every rehearsal.