Legacy Built by Mariachi Students Threatened by Budget Cuts

Mariachi musiccarries with it the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.  Its legacy is undeniable and for many scholars, even mythical.

The magic of mariachi music is shared today in the Los Angeles Unified School District by Mariachi Cielo Nuevo (Mariachi New Sky), one of the youngest and most experienced school-based ensembles in California.  Founded in 2002, the group’s 150 members, current and former students from Middleton Street Elementary School in Huntington Park, range in age from 7-15. 

“Our program is part of an overall effort to improve students’ academic achievement,” said Middleton Street Elementary School Principal Javier Miranda. “Students who are exposed to music are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college.  This is partly due to the self-confidence, sense of responsibility and discipline they develop through the program.”

Stacy Lopez was first drawn to mariachi music in the third grade.

“I was surprised because she was so small and wanted so much to be a part of it,” said Daisy’s mother, Luz Lopez. “Now she sings and plays three instruments. My daughter knows that performing Mexican music is something that will always be a part of her life and that is something we are very proud of.”

Group members must be in good academic standing and attend weekend practice sessions.  They receive lessons in music theory and technique, classical music instruction, violin lessons and voice training. 

“The fact that Middleton is among the District’s top elementary schools in student attendance illustrates how the program fosters student pride and creates an incentive for them,” said Miranda.

The young mariachis are in great demand.  The group performs about once a week and has played on prestigious stages throughout Los Angeles and as far as New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. 

Proposed state budget cuts put the program in jeopardy.

“Budget cuts may force us to discontinue the program during the 2009-2010 school year,” Miranda said. “We will need to rely on external funding such as grants and donations to continue the program.”

The students’ future as mariachi musicians depends on it.