PARLIER, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Students in the Parlier Unified School District are learning how to sing a new tune through the Mariachi classes on campus.
A new sound fills the halls, at Brletic Elementary School in Parlier.
Fifth and sixth-grade students were singing “De Colores”, a traditional Mexican song that is well-known throughout the Latino community.
“My grandfather used to listen to Mariachi music, I love learning how to play the instruments,” said Alexis Solorio, who is a student at Brletic Elementary School.
Solorio says he grew up listening to Mariachi music with his grandpa and hopes to one day become a Mariachi himself.
For many of the students who chose to take Mariachi as an elective, the class plays a big role in not only teaching them songs but also the history behind them.
“Like you said culture, it helps them keep in touch with their roots, and some kids who don’t know about their background, and they don’t know what mariachi is or where it comes from, and this helps them a lot,” said Stephanie Escamilla who is the Mariachi Coach with SAM Academy.
The program started last year after surveying parents, staff, and students, who asked to have a Mariachi class during school hours.
Now through a partnership with SAM Academy, a non-profit that teaches science, arts, and music. All four of the elementary schools in Parlier have Mariachi classes once a week.
“As we are continuing to expand our arts program with Prop 28 funding, we are just trying to think outside of the box and offer things to our students that are culturally relevant to them and that they really do enjoy,” said Kathi Felder Guerrero, who is the Executive Director of Educational Services.
Inside the classroom, students learn basic music theory, communication, and collaboration skills while also learning how to speak and sing in Spanish.
“I wanted to choose mariachi because as I grew up, I always loved watching people perform and I thought why I don’t give it a try,” said Heidi Bautista, who is a sixth grader at Brletic Elementary School.
Right now, they are just beginning to learn the start of the song, but Escamilla hopes they will be ready for the district showcase later this year.
