Midland Independent School District (MISD) is spotlighting the mariachi band at Legacy High School (LHS) this week in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.
According to a Facebook post by the district, "As the first Mariachi group at LHS, they had the honor of competing in the State UIL competition last year. Mariachi music is a cornerstone of Mexican culture and is deeply rooted in the Hispanic heritage. We are so proud to see MISD students embracing the Hispanic tradition with passion and pride. Legacy High School Mariachi #MadeinMISD."
Legacy High School Mariachi Director Zachariah Machuca emphasized that appreciation for mariachi music transcends ethnic backgrounds. "This month being Hispanic Heritage Month is very important, especially with our mariachi," he said in a video accompanying the post. "We are the first mariachi at Legacy High School, and it just gives us a different place for people to feel connected whether they're of Hispanic heritage or non-Hispanic heritage."
MISD post
| Facebook
A student from the LHS mariachi band expressed how integral mariachi has been to their life and identity. "Mariachi has been a big part of my life, a big part of what I do and who I am," they said. "Our Hispanic heritage is so deep and it’s so profound and it’s so meaningful and mariachi songs are not just songs, they’re stories. Being able to perform them for other people is another indicator of how deep our culture is."