In a contemporary setting far removed from the heart of Mexican mariachi music, modern teenagers from Central Texas are discovering a profound connection to their heritage through traditional performances. When they don the charro suit and begin to play cherished songs, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural appreciation.
Becoming Mariachis
On December 2, while attending mariachi class at University High School, Andrea Monrial and her peers were invited to the auditorium for an exciting reveal. Before them stood racks of elegant black suits, adorned with intricate embroidery in their school colors of purple and white. This marked Monrial’s first encounter with the trajes de charro, the iconic outfit synonymous with mariachi music, steeped in rich Spanish and Mexican history.
Moments later, she found herself on stage with fellow members of Los Mariachi Troyanos, clad in her traje and playing a traditional Mexican ballad on the five-string vihuela. In that moment, she transcended the role of a typical 17-year-old high school student in Waco; she became a mariachi.
“Some people go through life without ever wearing a traje,” Monrial reflected. “I feel it’s vital to keep this tradition alive.” The predominantly Hispanic student body at University High has historically nurtured the mariachi tradition, despite being hundreds of miles from its Jalisco roots, serving as a launching pad for local bands like the esteemed Mariachi Azteca.
Archie Hatten IV, UHS band director and a former member of an earlier iteration of Los Troyanos, has been at the helm since reviving the group in 2005. With the help of a $45,000 grant from the Cooper Foundation, the ensemble acquired authentic trajes for the first time last year, unveiling them at a Christmas concert. Hatten noted the transformative effect the uniforms had on the students.
“Without a uniform, Superman is just Clark Kent,” Hatten said. “Once they wear the uniform, their performance ability soars.” The ensemble, now 40 members strong, has embraced their new identity with enthusiasm.
Finding Their Voices
Since The Waco Bridge began following Los Mariachi Troyanos in September, the group has grown in both confidence and musicality. They are preparing for regional competitions in Fort Worth this weekend, part of the University Interscholastic League’s expanded mariachi category, introduced in 2018.
Jade Garcia, a sophomore violinist, joined the group after being inspired by her sister’s performances. Initially self-conscious about her skills, she discovered her passion for music after participating in a few gigs. “I love performing for people and connecting with everyone,” Garcia expressed, emphasizing how being part of the mariachi has helped her embrace her talents.
Her debut duet performance in December at Ascension Providence Hospital marked a significant milestone in her journey. Alongside fellow ensemble member Abel Serrato, a shy freshman who also has a musical background, they brought a new level of confidence to their performances.
“Now that I perform regularly, I feel a new sense of confidence,” Serrato shared, attributing his self-assurance partly to the new uniforms. “Wearing the traje makes us look more professional and gives us an edge over other bands.”
Rooted in Tradition
Junior Jacob Mendoza, inspired by the film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” has become a multi-instrumentalist, eager to take on any musical challenge presented by Hatten. His involvement with the mariachi ensemble has deepened his connection to his Mexican heritage, helping him understand a cultural background he felt distant from. “I feel like I’m reclaiming a part of my identity,” Mendoza stated.
Monrial’s journey from a shy freshman to a confident senior performer highlights the transformative power of music. Initially hesitant to sing, encouragement from her family and practice led her to embrace her role in the ensemble fully. Now, as a lead player, she reflects on how far she has come and looks forward to continuing her musical journey after graduation.
Mariachi’s Past and Future
Hatten expressed excitement about the increasing popularity of mariachi in schools and colleges across the nation, including at Baylor University, where a new mariachi ensemble has been established. “We’re on the brink of a mariachi explosion,” he noted, hinting at the genre’s bright future.
For Garcia, being part of the mariachi is more than just a high school activity; it has become an integral part of her identity. “I know I will carry this with me into adulthood, and I’ll always take pride in my time with the mariachi band,” she affirmed, underscoring the lasting impact of this cultural experience.
