Repertoire of 1,000 songs a minimum

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What are the expectations for a mariachi today? They have to have a very, very large repertory. They should know a minimum of 1,000 songs, and each of them with three or four arrangements. They ought to be able to read music but to play by ear so that they're never carrying sheet music. Only show mariachis sometimes have sheet music in front of them. Also, mariachis are expected to be able to improvise when playing unfamiliar songs.
The mariachi I showed you that played at my grandfather's 100th birthday celebration could play anything. If someone requested a particular song, at least one of the members would know it and that was usually enough. He would hum a little for the other members like, 'OK, here's the tune" and in no time at all they would be playing the requested song. Because working mariachis generally don't deny anything. They're being paid. They're being paid to play what one asks them to play. On the other hand, show mariachis do not give one a choice , they basically say, "This is what we are playing for you."
Working mariachis have to be able to improvise. If one of the members knows the tune or if the person who requested a particular song can give them the tune and the words, then it will be played. A lot of times the mariachis don't even have to know the words because the person who requested a particular song is likely to sing it anyway.