Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán worked with Vel Phillips Middle School students at UW-Oshkosh during a Mariachi workshop, March 14, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — About 300 Oshkosh students dove into the heart of Mexican culture with a special workshop.
Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán, an acclaimed mariachi ensemble from the University of Texas at Austin, performed in front of Vel Phillips Middle School students from Spanish classes and the 6th grade choir Thursday at UW-Oshkosh.
Students also sang a popular Mexican folk song that they’ve been working on in class and the Mariachi band worked with students to improve their understanding of mariachi style.
“We embrace the idea that every student should belong, no matter what background or culture they are from. And so we want a program, unique learning situations, or opportunities for our students that represent our student body because I believe in my heart of hearts that students learn better when they feel like their culture and themselves are represented what they learn in school,” said Dr. Phong Nguen, choir director at Vel Phillips Middle School. “We come from many different backgrounds and cultures and sometimes we don’t see that out on the streets or out when we go to the grocery store, just do our daily chores or tasks. I wanted to have this type of workshop where students actually get to work with professional mariachis, who know, live, eat and breathe mariachi.”
The group travels the country performing and is known for their outstanding performances of mariachi music.
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