Music is a part of every culture and is enjoyed by people of all ages. Many listen to music, but the students in Mariachi High don’t just listen to music - they compete to be the best on the center stage. This documentary follows the student musicians for a year as they compete in “Mariachi Halcon," the varsity-level championship ensemble at Zapata High School on the border of South Texas. PBS SoCaL is proud to broadcast this compelling documentary and share resources to inspire youth. 

The story shows how important music can be in helping students to achieve more in school. Watch as a student overcomes his challenges on stage and brings cheer to the field.

The struggles and triumphs of these students can spark a valuable discussion in your community. Music can be more than a passive activity; it can inspire and motive students to stay in school.  To these students Mariachi music became part of their cultural identity and it ignited a passion that helped them pursue other dreams and goals. Discussion topics include music education, pursuing excellence and teaching and supporting youth.

Communities can come together to discuss how learning music in schools contributes to student achievement and learn about programs that provide similar benefits to students.

Support, discuss, and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Mariachi musician by visiting the Mariachi High website and download the discussion guide. The discussion you start might encourage other students or members of your community to take up their own goals.

Watch the trailer and start a discussion in your community.

Mariachi High is part of American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen, a national public media initiative made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help communities across the country address the high school dropout crisis. For more information, please visit: http://www.americangraduate.org.