NEISD students connect through mariachi music
The sound of music coming from the orchestra hall at Churchill High School is a very new one.
“I play the guitarrón, it’s basically like the bass of the group,” Jonathan Madrigao said.
The 17-year-old is part of the campus mariachi band, which was just introduced at Churchill this school year.
“I just love the music; I grew up with it. My mom was always playing it in the house and we would sing,” Madrigao added.
The group is made of orchestra students who play ‘guitarróns,’ violins, ‘viheulas’ and guitars.
“Everybody is volunteering, this is something new we’re trying to get started. We’re all learning, including myself,’ Jason Thibodeaux explained.
Thibodeaux is the Director of Orchestra and has been at Churchill for 17 years.
Previously, he taught at Ed White Middle School.
Thibodeaux spearheaded this mariachi program to give students another way to express themselves through music, the chance to learn a second instrument, and to just have fun together.
“This year, it’s all about making connections. It’s about making connections with somebody else, even from six or eight feet away. It gives them a way to connect with other people and it gives them an emotional release,” he said.
For many, mariachi music evokes joy and family memories.
That is the case for 15-year-old Karen Mancilla.
“I’ve been to weddings that play mariachi; I’ve been to birthdays. Basically, like any party where you have like some kind of Mexican culture, you’ll see mariachis there,” she explained.
Mancilla is a sophomore at Churchill and a violinist in the group.
“I mainly joined because I’m from Mexico and it’s really fun to have something in the school that is part of my culture,” she added.
Thibodeaux said what makes this music extra special is the family aspect of it all.
“For those who are listening, it brings back memories or their family gatherings. For the kids, it gives them a way to connect to their families and some of their traditions,” he said.
The Churchill mariachis are just getting started, but hope to participate in city concerts, regional competitions, and even play at elementary and middle schools in the future.
“I’m really happy Mr. T made this, even though it’s my last year. I’m so happy he made this,” 17-year-old Churchill senior Cynthia Elias said.
Elias plans to follow in her teacher’s footsteps and become an orchestra conductor.
“After high school, I really want to continue with the music education,” she added.
The students said, in this group, they feel like they are part of a community.
“I feel at home here and I’m very excited for what we can do next,” Madrigao said.
To learn more about Fine Arts in North East ISD, click here: https://www.neisd.net/finearts
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