Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – For the first time in history, South Texas College has launched its own student mariachi ensemble, marking a milestone that blends musical education with the cultural heritage of the Rio Grande Valley.
Currently named Mariachi La Tradicion del Valle, the group is comprised of 13 student musicians and led by STC adjunct instructor Marcos Sanchez, who was brought on in fall 2025 to launch the program.
“This is an honor and a privilege to serve our community and its students in such a special way,” Sanchez said. “Mariachi is an important cultural art that exemplifies the character and passion of our region.”
The ensemble held their first performance of the semester at STC’s annual Binational Education Symposium in March, which brought together students and faculty from both sides of the border for one dynamic educational event.
“The Valley has a deep mariachi tradition, and the program will help carry that forward for the next generation,” Sanchez said. “Now, it’s time to recover the art form at STC.”
STC Music program department chair Daniel Cather, D.M.E, says he looks forward to new ensemble serving as a generational bridge that connects students to their roots.
“It is no secret that mariachi is a vital cultural, educational and emotional cornerstone in the Rio Grande Valley,” Cather said. “Mariachi acts as a powerful expression of Mexican American heritage and pride. STC’s new ensemble eagerly joins this longstanding Valley tradition of musical excellence.”
Abigail Rico, 18, who now finds herself as one of the founding members of the ensemble said she immediately jumped at the opportunity to join when she learned STC was forming its first mariachi group.
Playing the vihuela, a five-stringed rounded guitar, for the group, the Music Education major said she has been involved in mariachi since her freshman year of high school, playing for Mission High School’s Mariachi Aguilas.
“It feels like the biggest joy to see somebody have a reaction to the music,” Rico said. “If they are overjoyed or even emotional, it makes me feel like I’m doing my job right.”
Fellow performer Jose Luis Torres, 27, brings years of experience to the ensemble as a violinist. Previously playing professionally as a member of Mariachi 7 Leguas in McAllen, Torres said mariachi has long been a part of his life, influenced by his family’s musical background.
His parents were also musicians from Edcouch-Elsa trained by legendary accordionist, the late Benny Layton, in the 1980s and 1990s, he said.
Torres has naturally taken on a leadership role within the group, helping guide fellow musicians during rehearsals while emphasizing the importance of mastering both technique and style.
“It made me really happy to hear that STC was starting a program. Mariachi is growing everywhere, and I think every college should strive to have an ensemble,” said Torres, who is currently pursuing an associate degree in Music with a strings track at STC. “It really comes down to fundamentals and style. Once you can execute the music, that’s when the identity of the group starts to form.”
For more information on STC’s Music program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/music/.
