The sounds of violin, trumpets, guitarróns and audience applause filled the Wortham Theater on Aug. 28 as Houston City College’s (HCC’s) newly formed student mariachi ensemble, Mariachi Águilas de Oro (Golden Eagles), made its public debut at the annual Houston Mariachi Festival.

“Mariachi is more than music. It’s a bridge between heritage and hope,” said HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “Through this new ensemble, our students are finding their voice, strengthening their connection to HCC and carrying forward a tradition that reminds us that belonging is at the heart of student success.”

For the musicians who took the stage alongside the University of Houston’s (UH’s) Mariachi Pumas, the performance was an opportunity to share culture, connect and showcase their music.

“I love to be able to express my feelings through my instrument, the violin, and being able to sing to people,” said Isaias Luis Torres, lead singer and HCC mariachi group president. “I love how much the music impacts their lives. Sometimes people cry. Sometimes people laugh.”

The student performance capped months of work that began with a simple idea: create a mariachi program to celebrate heritage and foster student engagement.

“I see this inaugural ensemble and performance as a powerful expression of what student success can look like when culture, community and opportunity come together,” said HCC Southeast President Frances Villagran-Glover, D.A.

The club has a dozen participants and is open to all HCC students. The ensemble is open to students regardless of major or musical experience. Current members are pursuing studies in engineering, business and other majors.

Student Josué Ramirez has performed mariachi music since he was 10 years old.

“When you are up there playing and doing something you enjoy, something magical happens that brings forth emotion and lets you release emotions as well,” Ramirez said. “The audience feels that. You see it in their smiles. You see their faces in awe. You see them feel all these different emotions, and it’s great to share that sort of energy.”

The group’s first public appearance is only the beginning. HCC leaders envision growing the ensemble into a formal program modeled after mariachi programs like those at local UH campuses.

Key to the launch of the group was support from the HCC Foundation. It provided funds for uniforms to ensure students perform with professionalism and pride.