Wenatchee High School’s Mariachi’s Fall Fiesta was held on Nov. 1 in the WHS commons. Performances included songs played by all three Mariachi classes and a dance performed by the Mariachi dance group.

“[The fiesta] is more like a family event,” said Ramon Rivera, Mariachi teacher at WHS, “a fiesta where everyone is invited to the performance where the family can get together and hear some Mariachi music and have some great Mexican food.”

The fiesta is an annual event, showcasing a variety of Mexican food to accompany the music and general party demeanor. Sale of the food helps fund instrument purchases and trips. “We try our hardest to keep Mariachi a free program,” said Rivera. “Some students can’t afford to pay, so we do things like the Fall Fiesta to keep Mariachi free.”

This year, the Mariachi has performed at many events, including a pre-game ceremony for the Seattle Sounders, at the local Fiesta Mexicanas, and at both the Walla Walla and Chelan County Fairs.

“September’s a really busy month because you’ve got all the festivals and the fairs,” said Rivera.

The Mariachi band won Best Musical Entry at the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Seattle.

“I’m really proud of how much the students have done in just two months of school; it’s just a lot of fun.” said Rivera.

WHS has three Mariachi classes, Mariachi 1, 2, and 3, the advanced class.

“I barely just started doing Mariachi Azteca and it’s actually fun because we’re playing some harder stuff,” said sophomore Esmeralda Mora.

“[Mariachi] is going really great right now,” said senior Bruce Cardenas. “[This] week we’re going to the Cash Conference, and then WSU. It’s basically a conference for a bunch of kids from all around that you apply to, and you learn about college and such.”