For students in Mariachi Verde at Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy, mariachi is more than a class.
It is a continuation of family traditions and a way to honor the past while building their future. Through music, they are preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.
“It connects me to my culture by showing me a musical genre that is part of my heritage and helping me better understand my roots in a way I can’t learn through books or articles,” said Jairo G.
That connection often begins at home.
“Performing in mariachi connects to my culture because it represents the music that is played in my household,” said Ethan B. “When I play mariachi, it gives me a sense of pride in where my cultural roots come from.”
Mariachi Verde began as a small after-school group during the 2019–2020 school year and has since grown into a full elective offering, said Steven Ramirez, director.
What started with five students has expanded into a program with three ensembles, a beginner class and more than 75 students led by two directors.
Ramirez said the program gives students the opportunity to participate in a culturally relevant art form while developing leadership skills and confidence.
“I have seen students fully evolve into leaders—gaining confidence, learning to be solutions- and detail-oriented,” he said. “I have seen shy students learn to express themselves and become more confident in performances and social situations.”
As the program has grown, so has its reputation.
Mariachi Verde has competed at the UIL State Mariachi Festival for four consecutive years, earning distinguished performance ratings each year.
In 2024, the group placed third in the high school division at the national Mariachi Espectacular de Albuquerque competition. Students also perform at community events, including a Dallas Mavericks halftime show and the mayor’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
But for Jesse Z., performing in Mariachi Verde goes beyond awards and accolades. It is a way to continue his family’s musical legacy. His grandparents were once mariachi musicians themselves.
“They feel proud and amazed when they see me perform mariachi, like they used to do back when they were my age,” he said.
That sense of pride is a common thread among students in the program. Through music, they are not only developing their craft but also strengthening ties to family traditions that continue to shape their identities.
To learn more about Mariachi Verde and other opportunities available across Dallas ISD, families can attend the More Choice Expo on Saturday, April 11 at the Automobile Building in Fair Park.
