Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Music Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parents, students and teachers urge District 94 to add mariachi program at West Chicago High
Summary
Dozens of parents, students, teachers and community groups told the Community High School District 94 board on June 17 they want the district to fund and plan a mariachi music program so students can continue mariachi after middle school.
Members of the public told the Community High School District 94 Board of Education on June 17 that they want a mariachi program added at West Chicago Community High School so students who participate in middle‑school mariachi can continue in high school.
Supporters said the program fosters cultural identity, confidence and engagement and asked the board for a dedicated budget line, a public implementation plan with goals and a timeline, and district commitment to offer mariachi as a class rather than only a club.
“Mariachi has really grown to be a part of me,” student Melanie Rubio told the board. “Mariachi has helped me become a more confident person. It's helped me be able to speak up in front of others.” Another student, Samantha Munoz, said the program improved her Spanish and her confidence and asked the board to add mariachi “as a class.” Teacher Brad Raffy, who identified himself as a Lehman Middle School band and mariachi teacher and District 33 alumnus, said his district’s mariachi program — introduced in 2016 — increased overall participation in band, orchestra and choir and added musical rigor and opportunity for students.
Several parents and community leaders said they gathered signatures and endorsements. “We respectfully request that the district set aside a dedicated budget to fund a mariachi program at the high school level and create and share a clear public plan with goals, a timeline, and the next steps to implement this program as soon as possible,” Myra (Mayra) Barajas told the board, noting a petition of more than 55 signatures. Maria Correa, speaking for a local nonprofit that supports Latino families, said the petition grew from parent and student requests and urged the board to consider the cultural and community benefits of adding mariachi to the curriculum.
The board chair read multiple written comments into the record from community members who could not attend in person, including supporting letters from teachers, local elected officials and a state senator. The written submissions cited the program’s role in increasing student engagement and leadership and said students had performed in Springfield and worked with international mariachi instructors.
No formal board action to create or fund a high‑school mariachi program was taken during the June 17 meeting. Board members listened to public comment and included the remarks in the meeting record; supporters requested follow‑up steps and a public implementation plan.
District staff or board members did not present a specific budget or timeline for a high‑school mariachi program during the meeting.
