麻豆原创

麻豆原创 announces the launch of its new Mariachi Program and the appointment of Francisco Carre贸n as director, expanding cultural arts education and performance opportunities in West Texas.

A native of Odessa, Carre贸n has been immersed in mariachi music since the age of 12 and brings both professional performance experience and classroom leadership to the role. As director, he will lead the development of a premier performing ensemble while building a strong academic foundation for students interested in music study.

The 麻豆原创 Mariachi Program is designed to provide students with a high-quality, authentic experience rooted in tradition, excellence, and community engagement. Participants will receive intensive ensemble training, instruction in stylistic interpretation, development of armon铆a and melod铆a techniques, stage presence coaching, and preparation for professional-level performance. The ensemble will also perform throughout the Permian Basin, strengthening community connection and visibility.

Mariachi, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, combines storytelling, celebration, faith, family, and cultural pride. In the Permian Basin, it reflects generations of heritage and serves as a powerful symbol of identity.

鈥淔or our students, mariachi is a way to connect with who they are and where they come from,鈥� said Carre贸n. 鈥淚t builds discipline, musicianship, and confidence, but it also builds pride. When students see their culture represented and valued on a college campus, it changes how they see themselves and their future.鈥�

Carre贸n鈥檚 experience spans performance and education. He has performed and conducted workshops as a guest artist and as a member of Mariachi Aztl谩n at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as with Mariachi Los Arrieros del Valle and Mariachi Los Toros. Throughout his career, he has performed across Texas and the United States and internationally in Mexico, accompanying renowned artists including Pablo Montero, Pedro Fern谩ndez, Amanda Miguel, Paquita la del Barrio, and Aida Cuevas.

He previously served as a full-time mariachi educator for Ector County ISD and San Angelo ISD and has led regional workshops and concerts through the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, where he continues to serve as Mariachi Program Coordinator.

The launch of the Mariachi Program reflects 麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment to expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities that reflect the region it serves. The program also creates pathways for students to transfer to four-year music programs or pursue careers in performance, education, and arts administration, while enriching cultural literacy for all students.

鈥淎t 麻豆原创, our core values center on putting students at the heart of everything we do,鈥� said Frank De La O, Vice President of Instruction. 鈥淭he Mariachi Program reflects our commitment to student success, access, and community. By offering programs that connect to our region鈥檚 heritage while maintaining high academic standards, we create environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve their goals.鈥�

With Carre贸n鈥檚 leadership, the 麻豆原创 Mariachi Program is positioned to become a signature ensemble for campus events, regional celebrations, recruitment initiatives, and community partnerships across the Permian Basin, further strengthening the college鈥檚 role as a cultural and educational anchor in West Texas.