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Somerton music teacher praises students after Tucson Mariachi Conference; summer dance academy planned
Summary
Ms. Lopez, Somerton's TDS music teacher and folkloric dance coordinator, told the board the district took roughly 26 students to the Tucson International Mariachi Conference (planned for 30) using Title IV and booster-club funds, reported "no incidents," and announced a Mother's Day concert and a June 1–12 summer dance academy for grades 3–7.
Ms. Lopez, the Somerton TDS music teacher who coordinates the district's folkloric dance program, told the governing board that a recent trip to the Tucson International Mariachi Conference was a success and that the program plans immediate follow-up activities.
Lopez said the trip required extensive coordination: transportation paid from Title IV funds, meal and luggage support from the booster club and snack assistance from food services. She said the district intended to take 30 students but took around 26 and that chaperone staffing (five chaperones) kept supervision ratios small. She described students' growth in teamwork, confidence and technical dance skills and said there were no incidents during the multi-day trip.
"We were able to have our transportation and our registration out of Title IV... It was all possible because of the teamwork," Ms. Lopez told the board.
Why it matters: Board members and administrators framed the trip as an arts-education opportunity that exposed students to professional instruction and performance and that supports district engagement with families. Ms. Lopez said the experience increased students' confidence and community pride, citing hands-on rehearsal, performance and peer mentoring among the students.
Upcoming events and programs noted in the presentation include a Mother's Day concert (admission $2) featuring the folkloric dance team and marching band, and a summer dance academy set for June 1–12 open to current third through seventh graders, with four teachers rotating instruction across four regional Mexican styles (Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Sonora and Nayarit).
The district thanked principals, volunteer chaperones and the booster club for fundraising and logistical support. A board member commented that the performing-arts investments help keep students engaged and that showcasing the program in the community supports broader district goals for student motivation and attendance.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; Ms. Lopez concluded by inviting the community to the showcase and the summer programs.
