Over the past few years, the Woodlands High School’s Rojo y Verde Mariachi has seen immense growth. Many of the new members, especially freshmen, heard about the school’s Mariachi through friends who had been in the group in the past. Since there is no Mariachi offered at the school’s feeders, this will be the freshman’s first time experiencing a club that is built on entertainment, tradition, and music.
In Mariachi, there are many different instruments that work together to make exciting and moving music. Some of these instruments include: guitars, vihuelas, guitarrons, and, for the TWHS Mariachi, violins and other orchestral instruments.
Mariachi is a traditional Mexican band, the TWHS’ Rojo Y Verde Mariachi group’s goal is to honor the tradition and the culture of which Mariachi originated from. The school’s group was first created in 2021, and has continued to grow since then. After the class of 2025’s graduation, nine freshman filled the empty spaces.
Christian Ponce, Assistant Director of The Woodlands High School Orchestra, founded, conducts and organizes the TWHS Mariachi band. When asked about his expectations for this year’s Mariachi, Ponce answered with his hopes that the students will “have a fun time, learn [their] instruments, and play in more concerts.”
Though the group is fairly new, The Woodlands High School Mariachi is already a highly regarded and successful group. In January 2024, The Rojo y Verde group qualified for the UIL State Mariachi Competition, and, over the years, the band has received many superior ratings at the regional level.
Freshmen from TWHS 9th grade campus shuttle to the TWHS main campus after school for Mariachi practice. The learning and time commitment for Mariachi is extensive; with some learning the Spanish language or a new instrument.
“I joined Mariachi to learn another instrument,” Emma Baudouin, a freshman Orchestra member and cellist said. Adding that the guitarron “is in the same clef as the instrument [she] play[s].”
Check out the entire Mariachi group at The Woodlands High School senior campus cafeteria on Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 p.m.