Mariachi Herenci is the official competitive team for Tomball ISD’s mariachi program. Originally founded in 2024, the program has grown over the last two years—with future expansion plans underway for the junior high level.
The early days
Paulette Torchia is the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD and has been one of the original supporters of the mariachi program. Torchia said how important it was for TISD to invest in authentic mariachi gear, instruments and instructors to set the program up for long-term success.
“We took that commitment incredibly seriously from day one,” Torchia said. “When we founded the program in 2024, we wanted to create a living, breathing celebration of culture that offered students a true sense of belonging.”
The program in its beginning only had 19 students, but its popularity has grown since then. With this in mind, TISD is planning to expand the program at the junior high level to start any interested members' musical journey earlier.
“In music education, if you want a program to thrive long-term, you have to build a strong foundation early,” Torchia said. “By introducing Mariachi 1 at the junior high level, we are giving our younger students a chance to develop their instrumental and vocal skills years before they ever step foot on a high school campus.”
The success of the team would not be without the mentorship of Miguel Aguirre, the program's current director. A recent hire from Rio Grande Valley, Torchia said that from his first interview, TISD knew he’d be the perfect fit.
“He came in with this incredible vision to start 'Mariachi Fever' in Tomball, but more importantly, he has this rare ability to make students feel completely comfortable taking a risk on something brand new,” Torchia said.
Dollars at work
In the past year, TISD has seen a return on its investments in the mariachi program, with the team recently winning its first-ever UIL Division 1 regional competition. The program's win was especially important to the district since the competition was relocated to Tomball High School after a severe ice storm. Welcoming multiple different ensembles to their school and still being able to come out on top and qualify for state was an emotional win for the ensemble, Torchia said.
“It was proof that when you give students the right resources and a director like Miguel Aguirre who believes in them, they can achieve the extraordinary,” Torchia said.
Beyond an emotional win, it also shows the growth the program and its students had undergone since first starting off in 2024. Torchia said that in the beginning, many of the students had little experience with music and performance and were otherwise very quiet and shy. Fast forward a year later, and they have learned to play with confidence in themselves.
“On day one, we had quiet, hesitant kids who were holding instruments they’d never seen before or had never [sung] in front of an audience, let alone their peers,” Torchia said. “Today, those same students carry themselves with immense pride. To see them stand tall on a stage, project their voices with passion, and command a room with their performance has been breathtaking.”
