Learning to Work Together Through Music: Mariachi Camp at Bell Middle School
This summer, the classrooms of Bell Middle School were filled with the sounds of trumpets, violins, guitars, and voices coming together as one.
Through Mariachi Violin, Guitar, Trumpet and Singing, students from Bell Middle School and other local middle schools came together for a summer of music, collaboration, and cultural connection. Led by teaching artists from City Heights Music School, students learned mariachi songs, chords, bass lines, scales, and vocal exercises while building the skills needed to play together as an ensemble.
Mariachi is all about bringing different musical parts together. Throughout the camp, students practiced listening to one another, staying in rhythm, and playing complementary parts. Along the way, they strengthened their musicianship, gained confidence, and made connections with students from other schools.
Students had two exciting opportunities to share what they had learned. A select group performed in traditional mariachi attire at the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) Conference, giving them the chance to perform for education leaders from across California.
The entire group then took the stage for a final performance for their families on the last day of camp. After weeks of practicing and learning together, students got to celebrate their growth—and show just how much they had accomplished as an ensemble.
In its first year, Mariachi Violin, Guitar, Trumpet and Singing was a tremendous success. Students came together from different schools, strengthened their musical skills, and discovered the power of working together.