CA, US & World
Alabama’s Only High School Mariachi Band Builds Culture, Community
At Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, students are using mariachi music to celebrate their heritage, build friendships and keep family memories alive.
The school’s mariachi band is believed to be the first of its kind in Alabama and remains the state’s only high school ensemble dedicated to traditional Mexican music.
Senior violinist Jacqueline Vargas said being part of the group has helped her connect more deeply with her cultural identity and with family members she cannot see.
“Especially since all these rough times we’re having with immigration, it’s getting me closer to the family I can’t see,” Vargas said.
The band has also helped Vargas feel more connected to her school.
“I felt so distant from the school before this,” she said. “I felt like all I did was go to school and go home.”
Mason Mays is in his second year directing the mariachi band. He said helping students connect with their heritage has been rewarding, particularly when students may face language barriers.
Mays said music can serve as another way for students to learn and communicate.
“I’ll hold up the instrument and get that student to copy me,” Mays said. “I’ll show them where to put their finger. I’ll show them how to hold the bow, and we’ll do it together as one single motion.”
For senior guitarist Jesus Contreras, who began playing guitar in 2023, part of the appeal is that there is no single path to learning the instrument.
“It doesn’t have a linear way of learning,” Contreras said. “A lot of people I look up to have a self-made practice. People have been able to learn this by themselves.”
Weston Pike also connects his music to family. He said his grandfather would let him play along on the strings when he was young.
“My grandpa would always let me play along on the strings,” Pike said. “I didn’t start taking it seriously until he passed away in 2019.”
Now, the mariachi band provides Pike with a sense of community while keeping that family connection alive.
Although Pinson Valley’s group may be the only high school mariachi band in Alabama, its members hope other students across the state will be inspired to pick up an instrument and discover mariachi music for themselves.
Vargas encourages students to give it a try.
“I say go for it,” she said. “No matter the grade, the knowledge of said instrument. It is such an experience.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 18, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Do you actually know what you’re voting for? 👀🗳️ #therogginreport #election2026 #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🗳️ ELECTION NIGHT UPDATES – NBC PALM SPRINGS Stay with NBC Palm Springs throughout Election Night for the latest results, breaking developments, and election updates! You can follow our coverage across all of our platforms: 📱 Instagram – Follow our page for updates throughout the night. 👍 Facebook – Find the latest election news and results on our Facebook page. 🌐 NBCPalmSprings.com – Watch our live coverage in the viewer right on the front page of our website. ▶️ YouTube – Join us in the LIVE section of our YouTube page. Wherever you follow us, NBC Palm Springs has you covered on Election Night! Stay informed. Stay connected. Follow NBC Palm Springs. #ElectionNight #NBCPalmSprings #Election2026 #CoachellaValley #ElectionCoverage
Privacy. Security. Style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life. Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate! Beaumont, CA Follow us: @eandefenceco #EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings