CDE HIGHLIGHTS WHS MARIACHI PROGRAM FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Westminster High School’s homecoming pep assembly is always filled with energy and good fun, but this year was unique, as musicians from all backgrounds joined the Mariachi band to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
The excitement booming from the Westminster High School gym last Friday afternoon was palpable, as hundreds of teal-clad students clapped and stomped their feet. After singing the national anthem and celebrating the fall sports teams, it was time for the WHS Orchestras and Mariachi to take the stage. Dressed in a traditional Mexican “trajes de charro”, the 120-person ensemble was the picture of elegance in matching black and silver with teal bow ties.
There was also a special guest in house videotaping every moment of it.
Roberto Paniagua Morales, the Bilingual Communications Manager for the Colorado Department of Education, heard about the WHS Mariachi Ensemble and decided to do a feature story in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.
“When I heard about the WHS Mariachi Ensemble, I knew this story was worth sharing during Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s inspiring to see how Westminster High School is embracing this and empowering students to connect with their identity through the arts.”
Before the performance began, Mr. Linert, WHS Director of Orchestras and Mariachi and Department Chair of the WHS Performing Arts, introduced three special guests– current WHS senior and Mariachi Student Council President, Melanie Paredes Briones and WHS Orchestra and Mariachi Alumni, Will Trevizo and Genisis Cenicero. Having performed in the Colorado All-State Mariachi Ensemble competition and the Aspen Music Festival, the musicians spoke with passion about what Mariachi music and culture means to them, bringing them closer to the Mexican-American community and reinforcing a sense of pride in their Hispanic heritage.
The Mariachi Program, now it its 9th official year, collaborates with other groups to allow more students to learn, study, and perform Mariachi music, even if they are not in our traditional "Mariachi" classes. All of our orchestras, bands, choirs, piano, guitar, perform music of Hispanic connection at various portions of a student's high school studies. Likewise, nearly all WPS K-8 programs also incorporate music of Hispanic Heritage into their curriculum throughout the year.
Bounding around the gym with microphone in hand, Linert hyped up the crowd as he taught the audience to let out a “grito,” a musical yell or shout that is a key part of mariachi music and culture. “Both of these performances are in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. I want you all to think of yourself, a family member, or a friend who is of Hispanic Heritage. This is dedicated to them. Sing it out!"
Morales, camera in hand, spent the rest of the afternoon talking with current WHS Mariachi musicians and Mexican Folklore dancers Mia Nesham and Lilia Garcia Montiel. They all shared the joy and pride they have in keeping the Hispanic culture alive within their school and community.
WPS School Board Member Audrey Yanos was also interviewed about why the district is so committed to celebrating all cultures. “As a third generation Mexican American, my parents were not allowed to speak Spanish in school and as a result I was not taught the language growing up,” she said. “I did, however, grow up listening to those songs that were played today.” Yanos highlighted the importance of supporting the arts in Westminster Public Schools through the Creative Arts Pipeline and praised the use of culturally relevant offerings, such as the WHS Mariachi Program, as an entry point to get students feeling excited and connected with their culture at school.
Observed nationwide from September 15th - October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino people by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Hispanic Heritage, however, is recognized and celebrated through the year in Westminster Public Schools.
What’s up WPS will share the CDE video when it is published on October 11.