Mariachi Cobre, founded in 1971, is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a musical ensemble. For 39 years they have been the mariachi ambassador to the world performing for millions of visitors at Epcot Center, Disney World in Orlando, Florida since 1982. Originally based in Tucson, Arizona, the group was formed by Randy Carrillo, a veteran of the first mariachi youth group in the U.S., Mariachi Juvenil Los Changuitos Feos De Tucson. In addition to Randy, the original group included his brother, Steve Carillo, on trumpet and Mack Ruiz on violin. The members of Mariachi Cobre are: Steve Carrillo - Director (trumpet), Miguel Molina (trumpet), Joe Baca (violin), Hector Gama (violin), Israel Molina (violin), Aaron Piedra (violin), Roberto Romo (violin), Carlos Gama (violin), Louie Ranjel (vihuela), Omar Olivas (guitar) and Alex Garcia (guitarron). The group has accompanied a wide range of mariachi and non-mariachi artists including Linda Ronstadt, Lucha Villa, Lola Beltran, Ana Gabriel, Guadalupe Pineda, Julio Iglesias, and Vikki Carr. They have also performed with nearly 50 symphony orchestras across the U. S. and Mexico.