Viva Mariachi! Santa Maria High School recently received a SBBowl Outreach flash grant for their Mariachi Workshop taught by award winning Mariachi Director, Ramón Rivera.

Mariachi means a certain repertoire of music, a special grouping of instruments, and a distinctive style of singing that creates an unmistakable sound unique in the world. Mariachi has special meaning for many Mexican Americans as an emblem of their cultural heritage, a source of pride, and community connection.

During his teaching career, Mr. Rivera has received many awards and has been recognized as being an innovative leader and pioneer in cultural arts.

Ramón had this to say about the workshop; “I am extremely excited that Mariachi Music Program will start at Santa Maria High School! I had the honor to teach the Music students at SMHS, I can feel and see the excitement in their eyes when we played the Mariachi Music at the workshop. One of the SMHS Music students told me that El Rey is my grandpa’s favorite song. I cannot wait to tell him we played in my Band class today! Viva Mariachi!”

The Santa Barbara Bowl is honored to support performing arts education and opportunities for deserving students.

Outreach has funding to help! If you are involved with a Performing Arts organization or program focused on youth, there is an avenue to help with emergencies and shortfall.

Flash Grants respond quickly to your emergency funding needs coming from unforeseen circumstances. These grants are intended to supply immediate relief to urgent situations.

Learn and apply: https://sbbowl.smapply.io/prog/flash_grant/