Note: This conversation was recorded in late March 2026, so a few references (like upcoming events) may have already taken place by the time you're listening.

A tire explodes five minutes before a high-stakes interview and our guest still walks in ready to teach. That moment becomes a hinge point in Alex’s story, moving from an unstable stretch after professional performing to building a new life in Southern California through public school teaching and nonprofit leadership. The result is a rare look at what it actually takes to grow mariachi music education when the system around it isn’t built yet.

We talk about the unexpected power of elementary music teaching, where the goal is simple and hard: get kids to love music first. Alex explains how early childhood strategies make middle school and high school rehearsals stronger, more human, and more effective. From there, he shares the behind-the-scenes work of rebuilding the Riverside Arts Academy mariachi program, scaling from a handful of students to more than 250, hiring specialist teachers, and creating pathways that keep students progressing year after year.

Then we zoom out to the bigger conversation: why mariachi programs need standards that school leaders understand, how UIL-style adjudication influences growth in Texas, and what California can build through educator networks and CMEA momentum. Alex also tells the story of a student who traveled 21 hours to Texas for mariachi culture and returned inspired to pursue music seriously, plus what’s next for him as a performer with Mariachi Chiko and a new opportunity with Mariachi Rams.

If you care about mariachi advocacy, equity in arts education, and building programs that last, listen through to the end and join the conversation. Subscribe, share this with a teacher or director, and leave a review so more people find the work happening behind the music.

A groundbreaking musical movement is taking shape in South Texas, and Mirelle Acuña stands at its center. In this enlightening conversation, the co-founder of the RGV International Mariachi Conference shares her vision for transforming mariachi education across the region and beyond.

"We've seen exponential growth in mariachi education here in South Texas," Mirelle explains, highlighting how students typically had to travel far for advanced training opportunities. Her solution? Create Texas's first International Mariachi Conference, bringing world-class instruction directly to RGV students through workshops led by Mariachi Sol de Mexico and other master teachers.

What makes this conference revolutionary is its comprehensive approach. Unlike other events, it offers both instrumental and vocal training, acknowledging that true mariachi musicians must excel at both. It provides crucial professional development for educators, prepares students for Texas All-State competitions, and—perhaps most innovatively—includes a conjunto competition, creating unprecedented opportunities for students in this traditional genre.

Mirelle's personal journey mirrors the transformative power of music education. From a reluctant high school mariachi student who initially thought the genre "sucks," she evolved into a passionate educator with 17 years of teaching experience and a master's in educational leadership. Her story resonates with anyone who's faced discouragement, remembering a professor who told her to quit music school—advice she thankfully ignored.

The inaugural RGV International Mariachi Conference runs June 25-28, culminating in a spectacular concert at McAllen Performing Arts Center. Registration remains open for students and non-students alike, with affordable rates and scholarships available. Behind it all is Mirelle's unwavering belief in creating opportunities: "We're not out to make money; we're out to give kids opportunities."

Ready to witness this musical revolution firsthand? Visit rgvmariachiconference.com to register for workshops or purchase concert tickets and be part of what promises to become a cornerstone of mariachi education in Texas.

Carlos Peralez sits down with Charros y Clásicos to share a remarkable journey that spans nearly five decades of balancing professional engineering with passionate musicianship. With violin in hand since age 10, Carlos takes us through his evolution from a kid who joined orchestra just to skip class to a dedicated performer with over 40 years in the Valley Symphony Orchestra.

"I think I needed music to get me through engineering school," Carlos reveals, describing how violin practice became his sanctuary during stressful academic periods. This theme of music as mental refreshment continues throughout his narrative, showing how artistic pursuits can complement rather than compete with professional careers.

The conversation touches on memorable moments with his mentor Kurt Roehm, whose influence shaped not just Carlos's musical abilities but his approach to life. We learn about the special violin Roehm personally selected for him in 1978—an instrument Carlos still plays today, 47 years later. His story expands to include family connections through music, from performing wedding duets with his singer wife to watching his daughter become a three-time All-Stater herself.

What makes Carlos's story particularly compelling is his practical wisdom for young musicians. "You don't need to be a music major if that's not your calling. But for God's sake, don't give it up," he advises, challenging the notion that artistic pursuits must be abandoned when choosing practical career paths. His journey embodies this philosophy, demonstrating how persistence, balance, and genuine passion can create a life where engineering blueprints and musical scores harmoniously coexist.

Join us for this heartwarming conversation that reminds us how maintaining connections to our artistic passions throughout life creates richer, more balanced human experiences. Have you found ways to keep your creative passions alive alongside your career? We'd love to hear your story.