Jefferson Jr. High students get a lesson in mariachi music

KEARNS, Utah – Thomas Jefferson Jr. High kicked off the day on Wednesday with a vibrant performance from the youth ensemble Mariachi Fuego De Utah in their auditorium.

Students were captivated by the band, ranging from middle school to high school, as they played and sang traditional Mexican mariachi music.

“It has a very long history with my heritage, so I really enjoy it. I’ve grown up with it, and it brings back a lot of memories,” said eighth grader Isabel Bangerter.

Isabel is among 25 students who signed up for a mariachi program that began last year as a club. It has now evolved into a full curriculum led by music teacher Sam Noyce.

Following the performance, the musicians conducted a workshop in the music room, working closely with Noyce’s students.

“We want to bring in culture bearers and those who are advancing the art of mariachi music in Utah,” Noyce explained. “It’s all about learning from the best.”

Marx Huancas, founder and director of Mariachi Fuego, opened the workshop with an emotional speech, visibly moved by the enthusiasm of the young learners.

“My daughter is in the band, and she struggled with speaking Spanish. We were worried, so we introduced her to Spanish music and mariachi,” Huancas shared.

During the workshop, the students performed a song they had practiced beforehand. Huancas provided insightful tips, emphasizing that in mariachi, the guitars serve as the rhythm keepers, similar to a drummer and that maintaining tempo is crucial.

As the workshop progressed, Mariachi Fuego joined the students, playing shoulder-to-shoulder.

One student even took the lead on vocals, harmonizing beautifully with the ensemble.

At the end of the class, Noyce explained what he hoped his students would take away from the experience.

“The message is simple: you belong. You belong here, and you bring something incredibly valuable to our school and our community.”

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