HomeMariachi - Otra, otra¡ “Play it again!”
April 23, 2008
Mariachi - Otra, otra¡ “Play it again!” The resounding cry when good Mariachi tunes strike an audiences’ ear. This call of praise can now be heard at Northwest Middle School and throughout the community. This past year a group of committed Hispanic community leaders, led by Dr. Javier Saenz, of the Salt Lake Education Foundation and volunteers came together with the Salt Lake City School District’s Development and External Relations Office and school leadership to guide and support this new Mariachi program. Northwest was looking for a program that would continue to encourage students to seek academic proficiency/attainment while celebrating their community’s rich and diverse culture, and instill a sense of citizenship and pride. With 60+ youth participating, the program includes three teams with all students now meeting the academic and attendance requirements for participation. Parents of the students, many of whom had never participated in their student’s school activities, have organized to assist in the management of the program and continue to work to raise necessary funds. Students will be attending the International Tucson Mariachi Festival in April 2008, the first team to ever represent Utah at the festival.
General information:
- 60 students participating
- At the time of try outs only 3 students met the academic requirement of a C+ in every class, now all students meet that criteria
- All participants are required to attend 95% of all practices before and after school and performances
- Participants cannot have any disciplinary or safe school violations
- Parents oversee the management of the program i.e. costumes, travel, performances and fund raising
- Community oversight of the program is provided by SLEF Dr. Javier Saenz and his sub committee
- Expansion of the program to other schools is currently under discussion, especially as a result of the positive student performance of the current participants
» Check out "Student mariachi band travels to international conference" on KSL.com
