In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Mariachi MECA completed the recording of their first CD in May 2001. The recording sessions and 1st set of disks were generously donated by Hacienda Records. Viva Mariachi MECA is dedicated to Alfonso Guerra and is now available for purchase at MECA.

The MECA mariachi program began in 1991 under the direction of Alfonso Guerra. Mr. Guerra, a mariachi instructor and a professional mariachi for over 50 years, began the program with a small ensemble, which played a modest repertoire of three traditional mariachi songs. The program now instructs approximately 175 youth, both at MECA and at 10 Houston area schools. MECA's advanced mariachi ensemble, Mariachi MECA, is comprised of students who participate in MECA's after school program and students from HISD and AISD. Mariachi MECA has played for President Bush and President Clinton, received first, second, and third place awards at national mariachi competitions, and performed in New York, France, Northern Ireland, and Mexico. They also perform at countless festivals, community celebrations, and private parties throughout the year.

Mariachi MECA is currently under the direction of Jose A. Niño. Before coming to MECA, Mr. Niño was employed by the Waco Independent School District, serving in several capacities, including mariachi director for University High School. He was nominated for teacher of the year in 1998/99, and his University High School Mariachi Ensemble won first place at the 1999 Bank One Tucson International Mariachi Conference. Mr. Niño was also named one of the Top Hispanic Leaders for McLennan County.

The members of Mariachi MECA are students in several Houston Independent School District schools, including Reagan High School, Sam Houston High School, HSPVA, Lamar High School, Johnston Middle School, Westbury High School, and Sterling High School. Most of the students come from economically disadvantaged communities, where cultural and academic opportunities are limited. Through their many performances and their cultural exchanges in countries such as Northern Ireland and Mexico, Mariachi MECA students have come to understand how the arts can be used to define a culture and bind a community together. They have succeeded in finding what there is to celebrate in their culture and in themselves, and have used this knowledge to prepare themselves for the future.

Jose A. Niño - Director
Raymundo Alba - Mariachi Trumpet
Alfonso Guerra - Mariachi Violin
Francisco Guerra - Mariachi Guitarron
Raul Medina - Mariachi Vihuela & Guitar

Advanced Mariachi
Monday/Wednesday/Friday
5:30-7:30 p.m.
$33/month

Beginner Mariachi (1 hour/week)
Tuesday and Thursday
4:00-8:00 p.m.
$24/month

Lizeth Gonzalez - Advanced Mariachi

To book Mariachi MECA for an event, please contact
Ana Medellin at 713-802-9370, extension 20.