SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — There was never a time when Los Caciques didn’t want to put down those instruments.
The mariachi band program at Lakeview High School is creating magic everywhere they go, recently winning big at the University Interscholastic League State Mariachi Festival, scoring straight 1’s – the highest score possible.
The sound of their instruments echo through the halls. Their passion is reflected through trophies. The program has established a home away from home, bringing Mexican culture to life.
Head Mariachi Director Rosendo Ramos is leading the charge with his enthusiasm for the music and his willingness to help others.
“Mariachi music just captures what it is to be Hispanic,” Ramos said. “To be from Mexico, and it’s a beautiful thing, and the way we can express ourselves through our music. The way people are receptive, especially here in San Angelo, the community has been very receptive of our music.”
Ramos’ history with mariachi music didn’t start with his first day at Lakeview, it started when he was born. From a family of musicians, Ramos was determined to add to his family’s legacy, adding that the music resonates with all different kinds of people.
“They see a mariachi and there’s a smile, obviously it brings joy to people,” Ramos said. “And, of course, when the students start playing, the same thing happen. It’s just lively music and it’s just all about reuniting as many people as we can, or uniting people that wouldn’t be united in any other way otherwise.”
Ramos isn’t the only one who is making an impact: Senior Isabella Cordoba is leading the team with her personality. The program doesn’t just establish great musicians; they create great citizens. The skills they’re learning will follow them through life beyond high school.
“Being able to perform for people I’ve never met and seeing little kids watch me or the big audiences that we usually bring in,” Cordoba said. “It really brought out a different part of myself that I never knew I had. And then seeing, performing with friends especially makes everything worthwhile.”
Following their performance at the UIL festival, the doors are opening for Los Caciques with an opportunity the size of Mexico City on the horizon.
“One of the other things that they’re going to get to do at the end of May with the Lake View Chiefettes is we’re going to get to go to New York City and we’re going to be playing on an aircraft carrier called the Intrepid Museum,” Ramos said. “So, we’re going to be able to play on that. That’s going to be a very unique experience for our students to be able to be up there. And for Mariachi, it may be a first.”
It’s an exciting time for Lakeview and the program as they look to continue dominating competitions and show the world what mariachi is all about.
