Music filled the hallways of The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Friday, as young Mariachi students from Lincoln Junior High performed this traditional Mexican music style.
The students showed up in their new Mariachi uniforms, which made these talented students shine in their performance.
Mario Castillo, the show runner, said, “Music is a universal language of mankind. If you start with that premise, then you have to understand that is the way we all can communicate with one another. “
The Mariachi performance reiterated this statement, for the members of the musical group were not only Hispanic, but also Caucasian.
“San Angelo’s Mariachi program is an invaluable program of discovery for all of us, whether it be white, brown, black or whatever other human hue is born through the magical cords of this music,” said Castillo.
Howard Taylor, museum director, opened up the acknowledgement ceremony by introducing some of the key people in the community who supported the Mariachi band. Dr. Carl Dethloff, Superintendent of SAISD, gave acknowledgment to how sharp the students looked in their new uniforms and talked about the future of the program.
“First, I want to thank the two individuals who made this event happen, Mario Castillo and former councilman Johnny Silvas,” Dethloff said. “This Mariachi band is gaining momentum from here to Washington D.C.”
He went on to say that the Mariachi band has been part of SAISD for 20 years. The program started at Edison Junior High, now the Central Freshman campus, then moved to Central High School for 15 years. The last two years have been spent at Lincoln Junior High.
“We are evolving the program, and I actually consider it a rebirth,” said Dr. Dethloff.
Castillo took to the stand and spoke of what he saw in the young performers, and gave his full support to the band director, Rosendo Ramos.
“As a former teacher, I know all too well the important role that [Ramos] plays in the life of his students, their families and to the community at large," explained Castillo. "Master teachers like [Ramos] did not magically produce exceptional students. It is no accident that a really good teacher is successful with their students."
Castillo presented Ramos with a donation and asked that he keep the amount a secret between himself, Ramos, and Dr. Dethloff. He also reassured the community that the program will continue to excel in the future.
Castillo then proceeded to acknowledge one of the younger students in the band, Priscilla Perez. She came into the program as an advanced student, and moved up to the 8th Grade at the age of 13. She had no prior experience playing an instrument before joining the band.
“This meant a lot because I came to the program not knowing how to play any [instruments]," Perez said. “Mr. Ramos taught me a lot.”
Perez said she hopes to continue playing Mariachi while finishing her education, and wants to play music as part of a traveling band. She gained the inspiration of playing Mariachi from listening to her grandpa’s music growing up. Her grandpa also encouraged her to start playing the guitar.
Castillo also provided Perez with a check that will help her further her interest in music and pursuing her goals. He asked that she keep the amount between them, her parents and Dr. Dethloff.
"It means a lot because it just tells you people out there are there to support you," Perez said.
Johnny Silvas, former councilman for SMD3, mentioned that the Mariachi program almost came to a close, but it is now excelling into a well-renowned program.
“I think now that you are seeing more [diversity], it has really started to take shape as a program,” he said.
After the emotional discussion of the program, the students prepared to wow attendees with their talent.
Castillo mentioned that Mariachi music represents high and low emotions in the listener. The songs address the human struggle of living up to the standards that life presents to people. It also provides a chance for the performers to expand their creativity and better themselves through learning the notes in the songs.
The 7th grade students performed first, followed by the 8th grade performance. The instruments played included guitar, trumpets, and violins. Students also stepped forward as lead singers for each performance. The students performed next to art sculptures at the museum that appeared to be part of the repertoire. The music brought the art in the room to life in a way that showed just how much these students connected with their performance. The students played songs like Besame Mucho, Duele and more popular songs their families and attendees knew and sang along to.
Silvas mentioned the performance showed these students are truly “building their minds” as they continue to learn the instruments they are playing. This can open up doors to learning other instruments in the future.
“I thought it was fantastic, and I was really blown away by the trumpet players,” Silvas said. He compared their performance to a record being played because of the clarity of each note.
Ramos mentioned how well the students performed, and reflected on what it means for him witnessing his students excelling in their performance.
“It’s really good for the [students] to have the exposure, and the support of the community,” he said. “For us to have the opportunity to let the people hear what we have been doing, it’s also really awesome for the kids.”
He mentioned the dedication of Castillo and Dethloff has helped the program excel to where it currently is, and anticipates great accomplishments in the future.
Ramos said he hopes the program will have a competitive group who can compete in the state of Texas. Mariachi is now part of UIL, which is the largest government body for music and athletics in Texas education.
The program will be moving to Lake View High School, effective the next school year. The students in the program currently are going to be the leaders in the new Mariachi band for their freshman class.
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