"M.E.", as she is known, is not only a musical artist but she
expresses her artistry through writing as well. She writes poetry and has won various
poetry contests as well as her school’s English Scholastic Achievement Award. At
first sight, María Elena appears shy and quiet. When she holds a trumpet, however, she
transforms into an assertive mariachi performer with a classic mariachi trumpet vibrato.
She says she often hears people say, "You have a good sound for a girl" and she
adds, "I guess that is supposed to be a compliment."
About playing mariachi music she says,
"It lets me express myself. That’s who I am. It makes me feel proud of my
culture."
Among her greatest mariachi moments is her performance at the Greek Theatre with Mariachi
Reyna de Los Angeles. She loved the standing ovation that they received. Prior to joining
MM2K, M.E. performed with Los Halcones de San Fernando Junior High School and the all-female
mariachi group Las Alteñitas from the San Fernando Valley.
Birth date: 7/8/82
Birthplace: Panorama City, CA
Instrument: Trumpet
Role in MM2K: Second Trumpet
Years playing mariachi music:
Other genres played: Marching band
Educational Experience: Junior, USC
Educational Goal: Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She also aspires to obtain a Master’s degree and a Ph.D.
