The Alabama Arts Education Initiative awarded Columbia High School a $20,000 grant to strengthen its connection with the Hispanic community in a unique way: forming a mariachi band.
The grant is part of a broader effort to foster inclusivity and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage within the school’s population, where over 30 percent of students identify as Hispanic.
Initially, the plan was to channel the funding into enhancing the school choir, but after discussions with Columbia’s band director, Shelman Miller, a new idea took shape. Miller suggested the creation of a mariachi band, a genre of music deeply rooted in Hispanic culture. This idea quickly gained traction, particularly for its potential to foster cultural pride and community involvement.
“I was excited by the cultural connections this could offer,” said James Kendrick, CHS choral director. “Music is a universal language, and mariachi not only connects us to Hispanic traditions, but it also allows us to bring families and the broader community into the fold.”
The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive. After gauging interest, the school found that many students were eager to participate, leading to the rapid formation of the mariachi band. The group will not only perform for school events but will also take their talents into the community. Plans are in motion for performances at local middle and elementary schools to inspire younger students, as well as for future public events in Huntsville.
“This is about more than just music,” Kendrick emphasized. “It’s about building bridges between our school and the Hispanic community, and we’re thrilled by the excitement this project has already generated.”
In the coming weeks, Columbia High School's mariachi band will work to energize the feeder schools in its district by introducing younger students to the program and inspiring them to join when they eventually attend Columbia. Administrators hope the band will also promote parental involvement, strengthening the bond between the school and its families.
As the mariachi band prepares for its community debut, excitement is building, not just at Columbia but across Huntsville. This initiative is expected to leave a lasting impact by celebrating Hispanic culture while nurturing a stronger, more connected school community.
