Fox Cities News

On a cloudy morning in March, the mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán, brought a little sunshine to students at Vel Phillips Middle School with an engaging performance and interactive workshop.

The troupe of musicians, led by Dr. José Torres-Ramos, lecturer of ethnomusicology at the University of Texas in Austin, TX, shared Mexican culture through mariachi music and performances with over 300 Vel Phillips students. Dr. Torres-Ramos expressed, "I think music is a great ambassador for Mexican culture. It allows people to connect with the culture in an emotional way, and I think that’s beautiful."

The workshop, funded through a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the Appleton Education Foundation Fund, and Wisconsin Humanities, aimed to celebrate Mexican American Folk Arts in the Fox Valley. Dr. Phong Nguyen, choir director at Vel Phillips Middle School, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for efficient learning, stating, "Everything in a school building is connected."

The event featured performances of mariachi songs by the ensemble and student participation. Dr. Nguyen emphasized the significance of active involvement, saying, "We wanted students to be participants, not just observers." The workshop included singing sessions and feedback from the mariachi group, enhancing the students' understanding of Mexican culture.

Reflecting on the impact of the workshop, Dr. Nguyen shared, "Students that aren’t in choir classes approached me in the hallways and sang lines from the songs performed at the workshop." The engaging experience resonated with the students, fostering excitement and participation beyond the event.

Unique educational opportunities like the mariachi workshop at Vel Phillips Middle School exemplify the power of community partnerships in providing enriching experiences for students. Through collaborative efforts, schools can continue to offer diverse learning experiences that promote cultural understanding and growth.