This special What's The Frequency episode delves into a rarity in Iowa, as we travel to Denison High School in Crawford County.
A large group of Latino people have settled in Denison, so being able to hear a group of high school students perform mariachi songs is powerful.
That’s why what’s happening at Denison High School is so notable.
High school musicians in Denison play music at festivals and football game halftimes, but it is not always such standard fare as “25 Or 6 To 4” by Chicago or “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.
Instead, the music is mariachi.
That’s the traditional Mexican folk music that combines the distinctive blasts of brassy instruments, with lilting violins and vocals.
When Denison High School Band Director Ruben Newell came to the district in 2009, about 40 percent of students in the school were Latino, but the band had maybe 10 percent of pupils with that heritage.
Newell tells how that mariachi program founding happened, and where the mariachi program stands today.
Also sharing why they love playing mariachi are Leila Jaime, a Denison High School junior who plays the violin, plus senior Chris Rangel, who plays trumpet. They have traveled Iowa to perform, plus out of state for memorable shows. This episode also includes many clips of the mariachi practice.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 43
