Marín Family: The mariachi band

Music for the Masses

By Maryanne Meyerriecks
Fort Smith Correspondent

Making music is all in the family with the Marín siblings. Just three years ago, Luis Marín admits he could play only three notes before his brother Juan pushed him and his brothers and sister to learn music so they could begin a mariachi band.

University of Arkansas student Juan, 22, the leader of the band, plays the guitar, violin and also sings. But these days, Juan and his three brothers -- Carlos, 25; Luis, 26; Miguel, 20, all UA students -- plus sister Claudia, 16, are all involved in the family business of making music. Luis plays bass, Carlos plays the guitar and Miguel and Claudia both sing and play the trumpet and clarinet respectively.

In 2013, before the Marín family immigrated to the United States, they were involved in Sunday school programs in Mexico with their mother. When they moved to Northwest Arkansas, they assisted their mom by translating and helping in catechesis classes. These experiences influenced their desire to reach out to young people to get them involved in the church. These days they help with music at retreats and have opened their schedules to play at Masses.

“We want children and young adults to fall in love with Jesus and want them to come to church and learn more,” Luis said.

After receiving an invitation to attend a Bible study and sing in the choir at St. Joseph Church in Fayetteville five years ago, the family moved from St. Raphael Parish in Springdale. That decision to sing in the choir was game changing. 

“I fell in love with the choir,” Juan said, “and felt there was no better way to serve the Lord than in music.”

The Maríns are happy to see more people joining the choir. 

“Music has brought people together and made them feel more connected with God,” Juan said.

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