Mariachi High

Mariachi High presents a year in the life of top-ranked members of Zapata High School’s championship mariachi ensemble on the Rio Grande in South Texas.

At a time when the Latino dropout rate is the highest of any group nationwide, intolerance toward immigrants (and perceived immigrants) is growing, and public school funding is being cut, these teens continue to pursue excellence through a connection to their cultural heritage.

Beginning with high-stakes band auditions, through competitions like the San Antonio Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, and ultimately graduation, the students discover their own unique voices and an appreciation for the richness of a heritage they are learning to embrace.