Mariachi Night at PHS is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, promoting community relationships and enhancing cultural appreciation. Taking place on Friday, Sept 20, this event had the PHS mariachi band performing a diverse selection of classic Mexican songs, giving audiences a glimpse into the rich musical traditions of Mexico.
The success of Mariachi Night mostly depends on the hard work and dedication of the band members. The PHS mariachi band is composed of students from all grades, they’ve all spent weeks practicing and preparing for this event. “We are just having to practice, practice, practice to get the songs right,” sophomore violinist and singer Axel Bello said. Their practice not only helps with their musical skills but also their teamwork and school spirit.
“It’s hard to get a lot of music ready to go,” Mariachi director Katie Samayoa said.
Samayoa acknowledged the effort that every member of the band is putting into this event.
Mariachi Night is not only about the music but also it is an opportunity for the school to come together, allowing students, family members, and faculty members to engage with a cultural tradition that may be new for some people.
“Mariachi is really for everybody,” Samayoa said, “If you come with an open mind.”
Mariachi Night’s bigger purpose is not just about entertaining but to inform and teach people about other cultures and other types of art such as Mariachi music. Mariachi music is constantly mistaken as simple, folksy and old music.
“It was always looked upon as simple, folk music,” Samayoa said.
Through this performance people were able to learn that mariachi music is much more than just that and the history and beauty behind it. Mariachi music is more than just music, it’s a celebration of culture, art, beauty, talent, and unity. “What I like is really the community we have in the mariachi group, we’re all really close to each other, and [music] really helps me also show my pride for being Latino and finally being able to play songs for my childhood,” senior guitarrón player Jennifer Trejo Concepcion said.
Students can still join the Mariachi band. Some of the requirements are experience with any of the instruments. If the student does not have experience you can join the club and/or the class where they will teach you how to play the instrument of your preference and depending on your ability and recommendations students can join during the second semester of 2024-25 or the upcoming year 2025-26.
Reporter Alessandra Mireles contributed to this story.
