ABOUT THE BAND
Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington (MIB) is an authentic, Indiana-based mariachi band founded by Iván Maceda in 2023. The band performs traditional Mexican music for local festivals, private parties, and community events, such as the Indianapolis Mariachi and Folklore Festival, City of Bloomington FIesta del Otoño, Fiesta Owen County celebration in downtown Spencer, offering lively, professional entertainment.
Their mission is preserving and sharing the rich tradition of mariachi music, Cultural Intangible Heritage by UNESCO since 2011. The group brings together talented musicians from diverse international backgrounds, united by their passion for Mexican culture and musical excellence.
With experience performing at a wide range of events—from intimate serenatas to large cultural festivals—the band is known for its authenticity, versatility, and engaging stage presence. Whether performing for a traditional celebration or introducing mariachi to new audiences, the group creates meaningful musical experiences that connect people across cultures.
Mission Statement
To preserve and share the UNESCO heritage of authentic mariachi music, uniting Indiana’s diverse communities through memorable live performances.
Band Members
Steve Goodman
Instrument: Violin | Background: USA
Steve Goodman is an accomplished violinist and composer whose career has taken him from European concert halls to the heart of the Midwest. A graduate of the Interlochen International Arts Academy, he is recognized for his «modernist» flair and leadership within the Indiana arts community. In addition to co-leading the Impossible Jazz Collaboration he performs with the Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters. Steve also served as the Artistic Director of the Symphonic Youth Orchestra of Greater Indianapolis and is a dedicated local educator.
Julie Songer
Instrument: Violin | Background: USA
In addition to playing violin and singing in the MIB, Julie plays violin in the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Before moving to Bloomington from Dallas in 2017, she played in rock and country bands and played for orchestras in the North Texas area. Julie got her undergraduate degree from Indiana University in media and French. She worked in radio as a news and sports reporter. Later, she got an MBA from the University of Dallas and worked for ad agencies, corporations, and IU in employee and marketing communications. Now retired, she enjoys playing the violin, IU football and basketball, swimming, and book clubs. She is also trying to learn Spanish for singing in the MIB!
Patricia López
Instrument: Violin | Background: Nicaragua
Ellison Oliger is a dedicated violinist and educator based in Bloomington, known for her active contributions to the local arts and academic scenes. A graduate of Indiana University with degrees in Psychology and Spanish, she uniquely blends her academic background with a passion for performance and instruction. As a member of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and an elementary Spanish educator, Ellison is committed to building community through sharing music and fostering curiosity and compassion in young students through her work in bilingual education. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep interest in community engagement and the transformative power of both language and music.
Ellison Oliger
Instrument: Violin | Background: USA
Ellison Oliger is a dedicated violinist and educator based in Bloomington, known for her active contributions to the local arts and academic scenes. A graduate of Indiana University with degrees in Psychology and Spanish, she uniquely blends her academic background with a passion for performance and instruction. As a member of the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and an elementary Spanish educator, Ellison is committed to building community through sharing music and fostering curiosity and compassion in young students through her work in bilingual education. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep interest in community engagement and the transformative power of both language and music.
Maria Guimarães
Instrument: Violin | Background: Brazil
Maria Guimarães is a distinguished scholar and violinist whose passion for culture enriches the vibrant sound of the ensemble. When she isn’t performing traditional Mexican rancheras and sones, she served as a Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Indiana University Bloomington, where her research focused on Portuguese literature. A dedicated educator and artist originally from Brazil, Maria seamlessly bridges her love for the humanities with her musical artistry. She brings both technical precision and a deep academic appreciation for cultural history to every stage, making her a vital link between the university and the local performing arts community
Roberto González
Instrument: Trumpet | Background: Puerto Rico
Roberto González is a versatile trumpeter and educator who serves as a musical bridge between Puerto Rico and Indiana. After honing his technical foundation in Puerto Rico, he moved to the Midwest to further his artistry within the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music community. Known for his phrasing and command of both classical and jazz idioms, Roberto has become well known in the local scene, blending his Caribbean roots with contemporary jazz performance. Whether performing as a featured soloist or mentoring the next generation of brass players, he is dedicated to expanding the reach of Latin American music.
Alan Rivera
Instrument: Trumpet | Background: Costa Rica
Alan Rivera is a trumpeter with a brilliant tone and a passion for all kinds of Latin American music. After beginning his musical journey in San José, Costa Rica, Alan brought his musical heritage to the American Midwest, where he has become a standout performer in both chamber ensembles and Latin jazz circles. His playing is celebrated for a warmth that reflects his Central American roots, making him a sought-after collaborator for cross-genre projects. Beyond the stage, Alan is a dedicated educator committed to building musical bridges between his home country and the arts community of Bloomington.
Miguel Ávila
Instrument: Guitar | Background: Mexico
Miguel Ávila, originally from Cuernavaca, Mexico, is a recognizable voice in the Bloomington community as both an artist and a dedicated humanitarian advocate. As a guitarist and vocalist, Miguel brings an authentic passion for traditional Mexican music and performance, enriching the ensemble’s sound with his musicality. Beyond the stage, he is a prominent leader and representative for Indiana AID (Assistance to Immigrants in Detention), using his platform to support immigrant rights. By weaving together his talents as a poet, musician, and social advocate, Miguel serves as an essential bridge between culture and social justice within the international family in the region.
Mario di Salvo
Instrument: Vihuela | Background: Argentina
Mario di Salvo, born in Argentina, is a versatile musician and researcher who brings a unique cultural and analytical perspective to the ensemble. While his professional background is rooted in scientific inquiry and research, his passion for traditional music shines through his love for the vihuela. As the rhythmic heart of the mariachi sound, Mario’s precision and deep appreciation for the genre’s heritage are essential to the group’s authentic performance style. A longtime resident of Bloomington, he balances the world of scientific discovery with the energy of the stage, ensuring the group’s signature sound remains steady and true.
Taylor Diclemente
Instrument: Guitarrón | Background: USA
Taylor DiClemente is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and scholar who bridges the gap between historical concert traditions and the plaza. As a doctoral student at the Jacobs School of Music, she balances a mastery of early string instruments like the lute and theorbo with the rhythmic complexities of the guitarrón. Whether she is exploring Renaissance polyphony or providing the steady heartbeat for Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington, Taylor’s performances are defined by technical precision and a love for the community-building power of music. Her work reflects a unique dedication to preserving instrumental history while breathing life into folk traditions.
Ivan Maceda, Artistic Director
Instrument: Violin, Guitarrón, Vihuela | Background: Mexico
Iván Maceda is a Bloomington-based classical guitarist, educator, and multi-instrumentalist mariachi director originally from Mexico City. A graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music with a Master’s degree and a Performer Diploma under Ernesto Bitetti, he has become a central figure in the Midwest’s Latin American music scene. Iván currently serves as an adjunct instructor and Mariachi Director at Wabash College and leads the Indiana Mariachi Project, which he founded in 2025. As a performer on mariachi bands and classical guitar, he frequently appears as a soloist and ensemble leader, dedicated to bridging classical traditions with folk styles while fostering community through high-quality music education and performance.
Know more about Ivan:
Wabash
Ivánmaceda.com
MIB.com
IMP.org
International ensemble
Authentic mariachi
Audiences of all backgrounds
What makes us different from other Mariachi Bands in the area
International ensemble with diverse cultural backgrounds
Authentic mariachi instrumentation and performance style
Experience with both traditional and educational programming
Ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds