A dozen students from HISD’s Davis HS will be making history this weekend — both as participants in the University Interscholastic League’s very first State Mariachi Festival and as the only school from HISD to be representing the district.

Davis is one of almost 60 schools playing in the inaugural competition, which takes place March 11 and 12 in San Antonio.

“I am pleased to see that mariachi is being recognized at the UIL state level,” said teacher José Niño. “It combines orchestra, band, and choir all in one.”

Davis’s Mariachi Pantera qualified to advance to the state competition by receiving a rating of “1” at the regional contest held in Katy on Feb. 6.

“My students are  excited,” added Niño. “They have worked so hard to achieve this goal. Not only do they practice during their class period, but they also stay after school for rehearsals twice a week. I am so proud of them and their dedication this art form.”

You can watch a video of their performance at the HISD State of the Schools luncheon below.

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