Jones Middle School in Boone County is using a mariachi program to help students connect with their heritage and explore new cultures through music, now in its second year with separate classes for seventh and eighth graders.
WLWT reported that students are learning to play guitar, violin and trumpet as they fine-tune their sound to create mariachi music. The program brings together students from diverse backgrounds, according to the station.
Eighth grader Manuel Cervantes called the program a blessing for the school and noted that his Hispanic family already listened to mariachi music. Seventh grader Valentina Lozano said she had always wanted to play violin since she was young and was drawn to the program because mariachi includes the instrument.
Band teacher Scott Reed, who has been in education for over two decades, took on the challenge of learning mariachi music last year so he could teach it to his students. Students say Reed creates an environment where they can learn and make mistakes, giving them freedom to explore where music might take them in the future.
Eighth grader Anderson Perez said his parents reminded him that he always liked mariachi music when he was little. For other students, the program offers a chance to experience something entirely new.
For more information, visit wlwt.com.