Adolph Ortiz
Brief History:
Adolph Ortiz is a native of the central Texas area. Adolph began learning music at a very
young age, but became immersed with the guitar by the age of ten. As a member of
maestro Zeke Castro's Fulmore Jr. High and Travis High School mariachi programs, Adolph
learned to play the vihuela and guitarron. Adolph began his professional career with
Mariachi Hijos de la Capital and then joined Austin's long time group, Mariachi Estrella.
While with Estrella, Adolph spent a summer studying with the late famous vihuelista, Benito
Ramos, and learned many of the true styles and techniques indigenous of Mexico City. In
1991, Adolph formed Mariachi Chapala, soon to be Mariachi Relampago. After an absence
from the group, that included a stint in Arizona and a return to Mariachi Estrella, Adolph is
back in Mariachi Relampago as co-owner and music director.
A graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos (formerly SWT) with a BM in Music
Ed, Adolph was a voice major who also plays French horn. He is a former member of the
Gamma Phi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was their chapter President. He was
the Acting Director of the SWT Mariachi Program in school calendar year 2000-2001, and
the Director of the program in school calendar year 2002-2003. He has been a studio
musician for various artists, movie soundtracks, and commercials. He was filmed in the
documentary Violin Voices with master violinist, Refugio "Cuco" del Cid. Adolph has also
sung in in New York City's Carnegie Hall.
Adolph, currently teaches at Lehman High School, where he directs Mariachi Los Lobos,
and at Chapa Middle School in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. He is
also an adjunct faculty member of the University of Texas and directs the UT mariachi,
Mariachi Paredes de Tejasticlan.
Adolph Ortiz is a native of the central Texas area. Adolph began learning music at a very
young age, but became immersed with the guitar by the age of ten. As a member of
maestro Zeke Castro's Fulmore Jr. High and Travis High School mariachi programs, Adolph
learned to play the vihuela and guitarron. Adolph began his professional career with
Mariachi Hijos de la Capital and then joined Austin's long time group, Mariachi Estrella.
While with Estrella, Adolph spent a summer studying with the late famous vihuelista, Benito
Ramos, and learned many of the true styles and techniques indigenous of Mexico City. In
1991, Adolph formed Mariachi Chapala, soon to be Mariachi Relampago. After an absence
from the group, that included a stint in Arizona and a return to Mariachi Estrella, Adolph is
back in Mariachi Relampago as co-owner and music director.
A graduate of Texas State University in San Marcos (formerly SWT) with a BM in Music
Ed, Adolph was a voice major who also plays French horn. He is a former member of the
Gamma Phi Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and was their chapter President. He was
the Acting Director of the SWT Mariachi Program in school calendar year 2000-2001, and
the Director of the program in school calendar year 2002-2003. He has been a studio
musician for various artists, movie soundtracks, and commercials. He was filmed in the
documentary Violin Voices with master violinist, Refugio "Cuco" del Cid. Adolph has also
sung in in New York City's Carnegie Hall.
Adolph, currently teaches at Lehman High School, where he directs Mariachi Los Lobos,
and at Chapa Middle School in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District. He is
also an adjunct faculty member of the University of Texas and directs the UT mariachi,
Mariachi Paredes de Tejasticlan.
Director, Founder of Mariachi Relampago
Instrument: Vihuela, Guitarron, Guitar
Hometown: Kyle, TX
Education: Texas State University, BM Music Education, 2002;
Travis High School (Austin, TX), 1989.
Former Member of: Mariachi Estrella, Mariachi Tierra del Sol
(Tucson, AZ), Mariachi America de Gilbert Velez (Tucson, AZ.),
Mariachi Los Gallos, Mariachi Espuelas de Tejas, Mariachi Hijos de
la Capital, Mariachi Rebeldes del Sur, Mariachi Falcon
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Barbecueing
Nickname(s) or AKA(s): Gordo, Pelon, Wrinks, Jabba the Nut
Interesting Fact: Half Mexican-Half Chamorro (island of Guam)
Always Saying: Mira los -------!
Instrument: Vihuela, Guitarron, Guitar
Hometown: Kyle, TX
Education: Texas State University, BM Music Education, 2002;
Travis High School (Austin, TX), 1989.
Former Member of: Mariachi Estrella, Mariachi Tierra del Sol
(Tucson, AZ), Mariachi America de Gilbert Velez (Tucson, AZ.),
Mariachi Los Gallos, Mariachi Espuelas de Tejas, Mariachi Hijos de
la Capital, Mariachi Rebeldes del Sur, Mariachi Falcon
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Camping, Barbecueing
Nickname(s) or AKA(s): Gordo, Pelon, Wrinks, Jabba the Nut
Interesting Fact: Half Mexican-Half Chamorro (island of Guam)
Always Saying: Mira los -------!