Willow Glen Resident
Education
Mariachi youth band wants to look sharp when it performs
By Mayra Flores De Marcotte
Students at Gardner Academy may soon have traditional studded Mariachi garb to go with their instruments, thanks to a little help from their friends.
Their current uniforms of black pants, white shirt and red bow ties look good, says principal Janis Hubbs, but actual Mariachi suits will elevate the look and pride.
"You can't dance folklorico without the colorful dresses," Hubbs says. "These suits will have the same effect for Mariachi."
The school is soliciting donations from the community and local businesses to help raise the $3,750 needed to purchase the costumes for the 15 students in the Mariachi Enrichment Program at Gardner. The fundraiser will run through the beginning of December. School administrators hope to order the costumes by early 2008. That is when third- through fifth-graders begin practicing, says Gardner parent Mayra Cruz.
So far, Hablemos, the parent group at the school, has donated $500, and another $300 was collected from friends, community members and through a dollar fundraiser at the school.
"We're on our way," Cruz says.
The Mariachi program was the brainchild of Darrell Cortez, executive vice president of the Latino Peace Officers Association.
The Willow Glen resident has been involved in the Mexican Heritage Plaza's Mariachi program and wanted to find a way to bring a similar program to the schools.
Since Gardner had no music programs due to budget cuts, launching the Mariachi program at Gardner made sense, Cortez says.
Cortez received a $10,000 grant from Pepsi Cola, which funded the purchase of instruments, instructor salaries and enabled the school to offer the program to the students at no charge.
The program began during the 2002-03 school year and continues to thrive, with more than 45 students enrolled.
Cruz, a board member of Hablemos, wants to take the program to the next level.
She was inspired to acquire traditional garb for the students after attending a Mariachi festival at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in May.
The Mexican Heritage Foundation, one of the program's sponsors, held the event to showcase the schools that have the Mariachi and folklorico programs.
"There was a professional Mariachi group that performed," Cruz says.
Her son, Joel Montoya, said to her, "Wow that's awesome. The suits make them complete."
After hearing her son's response and watching the students play, Cruz resolved to acquire the more traditional dress.
"When you're part of a group, identity is important," she says. "Mariachi suits would be the ultimate token. It's time for them to be complete."
For more information or to donate, call Mayra Cruz at 408.839.7966.
