Mariachi group at Crockett Early College High School

AUSTIN, Texas – If you are a student at Crockett Early College High School, you may have heard this group perform before classes started that day.

“We are happy to be there. Performing in front of a large audience takes a lot of courage. But it’s also really stressful,” said Joshua Garcia, a junior at Crockett ECHS.

These students not only perform for their teachers and classmates, but they also perform for the entire community.

“In the past, we played a two-month show at a local theater downtown as part of their show. We will also play for headquarters or any non-governmental or non-profit organization that wants us,” says Ron Hare, director of guitar and mariachi at Crockett ECHS.

Mr. Hare, director of the guitar and mariachi band at Crockett Early College High School, says this year was the largest band he has ever played in the last few years.

“This is the first year that we have incorporated non-traditional or almost banda-type instruments into the mix, with some clarinets and a saxophone added to the mix, as well as a vihuela with trumpet and guitar,” says Hare.

The history of mariachi music dates back to at least the 18th century. Members of the Crockett mariachi group say they are happy to keep the tradition alive.

“I was always interested in mariachi just because I grew up with it. And of course my middle school teacher connected me with Ron Hare. And since then, my love for mariachi has grown,” says Krystal Leon , a junior at Crockett ECHS.

“Music is constantly evolving, but mariachi has always been kind of a staple of Mexican culture, very, very traditional. And bringing it into school systems is a really cool thing,” says Michael Diaz, former Crockett ECHS student.

Mr. Zając works hard to ensure that his students look like professionals when performing on stage.

“So when we’re dressed in our formal trajes, I think it elevates, I guess, the anxiety of performing, but just the expectation that we’re representing not just the school, not just our families, but the culture itself,” Hare says.

“I share my culture with my classmates. I really love playing with my mariachi group just because I feel like everyone feels really connected to each other. I have the impression that this type of music brings everyone closer together, says Leon.

You can click here to see how Austin ISD is celebrating Latino Heritage Month.