SPRINGFIELD – In the heart of town, a remarkable musical journey unfolds as Mariachi del Sol, the region’s pioneering high school mariachi band, not only celebrates vibrant Mexican heritage but also captivates audiences with their passionate performances throughout the year.
The group performs over 40 times a year at high school events, retirement homes, restaurants, and private parties. They have also received numerous awards, and in 2023, they were featured on the nearly 50-year-running ABC Network talk show, “Good Morning America.”
“We can only accept less than half of the performance requests,” due to their high demand, according to Jon Bridges, band and mariachi teacher at Springfield High School.
Mariachi del Sol was established in 2008 when Elena Espinoza, the Multicultural Liaison for the Springfield School District, collaborated with Christopher Holt, the school’s band director, to bring this vision to life.
Espinoza, affectionately known as la madrina or “the godmother,” continues to serve as a guiding voice for the group.
At Springfield High School, 36% of the student population identifies as Hispanic. According to Bridges, approximately 70% of the students enrolled in the mariachi class are Latino or come from diverse Latino backgrounds.
Mariachi is a vibrant genre of music that originated in Western Mexico during the 18th century, blending influences from Indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures. The typical instrumentation includes violins, trumpets, guitars, vihuelas (a small, high-pitched guitar), and guitarrones (an acoustic bass guitar). Mariachi ensembles often feature lead singers accompanied by backup vocalists.
This activity provides Springfield students with the opportunity to explore and celebrate their heritage, creating an inclusive environment that allows those outside the Hispanic community to appreciate different cultures and practice foreign languages through music.
Bridges oversees the program and teaches two concert bands, a jazz band, a percussion ensemble, and string orchestra classes.
Last year, he taught both beginning and advanced mariachi classes; however, due to a decrease in overall enrollment at the high school and budget cuts, this year, the beginning and advanced classes have been combined into a single band, resulting in a total of 60 students.
In band, students have the chance to earn points for participating in events, which may lead to earning a varsity or junior varsity letter. Some competitions only allow 16 members to perform on stage, so students must audition for these prestigious spots. Additionally, Mariachi del Sol travels to Disneyland every other year, and last year, they received an invitation to perform in the 2024 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
When asked about the number of hours he dedicates to band events outside of class, Bridges laughs and says, “I try not to think about that.” Early in his career, a principal advised him not to track those hours for the sake of his mental health.
However, initially, he kept track of the hours he invested compared to the modest stipend he received. As he calculated the disheartening pennies per hour, he realized he needed to stop.
Many outside the educational community remain unaware of the significant amount of unpaid time teachers commit, particularly those who lead extracurricular activities like band, dance, choir, and theater. It calls for genuine passion and commitment to make such sacrifices year after year.
Bridges embodies that passion.
“The things that are the most meaningful for kids are the extras – the extra opportunities. This is what they will remember, not a math test they stayed up all night studying,” Bridges said.
Bridges discovered that a student from his mariachi class had organized a student band over the summer. Bridges was moved by the passion of these students starting to perform at a semi-professional level, and at such a young age.
“Students are energized by this class, empowered,” Bridges said. “They have a lot of pride in what they are doing.”
Many of these performances are announced only a few days or weeks in advance. If you’re interested in seeing Mariachi del Sol perform, you can attend the school’s two official concerts: Jan. 22, 2026, and May 20, 2026, both at 7 p.m. in the SHS auditorium. Mariachi del Sol will be sharing the stage with the school’s jazz band.
“We so greatly appreciate the community’s support,” Bridges said. The band relies on continued community support to help fund instruments, uniforms, and travel.
To donate, visit springfieldeducationfoundation.charityproud.org/Donate. Use the comment box to note that the donation should be applied to mariachi.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer
for The Chronicle.
