Annual Youth Mariachi Concert

The annual Youth Mariachi Concert will take place from noon to 5 p.m., Oct. 12, at Britton Middle School, 80 W. Central Ave.

The concert gives performers the chance to showcase their skills in front of a live audience. In addition to promoting cultural awareness, the concert’s aim is to provide young musicians with valuable performance experience and opportunities for growth and development.

“We believe that music can be a powerful tool for personal and social transformation,” said Kathy Chavez-Napoli, who along with fellow founding committee members, Shirley Trevino, Helen Reyes and Dora Amezquita launched the 1st Youth Mariachi competition. “By supporting and nurturing the talent of our youth, we hope to inspire future generations to embrace their cultural heritage and celebrate the diversity that makes our community so special.”

What started in 2019 as a youth competition to promote cultural awareness, in 2023, Chavez-Napoli and her team decided to change the perspective and instead provide the community with a concert featuring Youth Mariachi performances. Participation in the concert is open to young musicians between the ages of 10 and 18 and aims to showcase the talent of local youth and encourage a greater appreciation for the rich musical heritage of Mexico. Mariachi music, with its lively rhythms and soulful lyrics, has long been a symbol of Mexican culture and identity.

Chavez-Napoli, who has been a vocal advocate for cultural preservation and education in her community sees the annual event as an opportunity to engage young people in a meaningful way.

“Music has the power to bring people together and transcend cultural barriers,” Chavez-Napoli said. “By providing young musicians with a platform to showcase their talent and express their cultural identity, we hope to foster a greater sense of unity and understanding within our community.”

The youth mariachi concert has already generated significant interest and excitement within the community, with many young musicians eagerly preparing for their chance to shine on stage.

Chavez-Napoli hopes that the concert will not only showcase the talent of local youth but also inspire a greater appreciation for the beauty and richness of Mexican culture. Each Mariachi group will receive funds so they can purchase outfits, instruments or other items that will help them with their music endeavors.

“We are proud to be able to provide a platform for our young musicians to share their talents and celebrate their cultural heritage,” Shirley Trevino, said. “Through music, we can build bridges and create connections that transcend language and cultural barriers. These concerts are just the beginning of our efforts to promote cultural awareness and unity within our community. We would also like to thank the parents for supporting their children so that we can all be entertained by this beautiful music.

Most recently, the group started a nonprofit organization, ARTS (Ancestral Roots & Tradición Society) to further promote culture and the arts in South Santa Clara County.

For more information, contact Kathy Chavez Napoli at (408) 839-9103.