Brandon Lozano, Victoria Garcia and Jonathan Valdez front and center stage on Oct. 28.
Brandon Lozano singing in the first half of the “Three Schools, One Voice” production.
Martin Cantu, La Joya mariachi director surrounded by the varsity band, on the way to perform at the McAllen Convention Center in 2017.
Motivated by Mariachi La Joya ISD Students Get Heard
LA JOYA - While buttoning up his elegantly embroidered chaquetilla, the vest that complements his bright red traje de charro, the traditionally ornamented uniform of mariachi performers, junior Brandon Lozano reflects on his passion for playing. He speaks of how mariachi is his way of expressing the pride he has for his Hispanic culture and notes how grateful he is to play at his school, La Joya High School.
The traje de charro emulates the attire of opulent landowners and talented cowboys (charros) of the 19th century. Becoming a symbol of national spirit during the Mexican Revolution, mariachi music celebrated the strength of the country during the war. For this, dignity was placed on the outfits of musicians, calling for jackets lined with the finest and brightest fabrics, scrolling designs trimmed on the sides of pants and sleeve cuffs, and embellished wide-brimmed sombreros. Lozano says he dons the outfit proudly on stage, knowing its importance to his heritage.
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