The Laredo Community College Mariachi Palomino was recently invited by the city of Laredo to serve as the community’s cultural ambassador during visits to federal officials in Washington, D.C., March 15-18.
LCC’s mariachi ensemble, consisting of student musicians and vocalists, performed at two functions during the visit to the nation’s capital. The group’s director Ruben Vargas and faculty member Phil Worley accompanied the students.
Mayor Betty Flores, members of the City Council, city of Laredo staff and members of the Laredo business community made their annual pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers and agencies. The city’s goal was to stress the need for federal funding for continuing projects that benefit Laredo.
The LCC musicians performed at a reception for the National Association of Housing Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) conference on March 16. Former Laredo mayor Saul Ramirez, who now lives and works in Washington, invited them to perform.
On the following night, the Mariachi Palomino performed at the Laredo Day in Washington reception.
Benito Vargas, a member of the mariachi, says the group received an impressive response from the Washington officials, particularly when Mariachi Palomino performed their original arrangement of the Star Spangled Banner.
“The audience appreciated our performances, especially when we played the National Anthem mariachi style. We were requested to play the song several times. It was a humbling experience for all the student musicians,” said Vargas.
A member of the Mariachi Palomino since 1999, Vargas added that the travel gave the students with new experiences. They were able to visit various Washington monuments and museums.
“It was definitely an eye- and mind-opening experience for the students who participated in this educational trip,” said Vargas, who had never traveled outside of Texas until now.
Other student musicians who represented the city and LCC in our nation’s capital were Robert Vidaurri, Rey Peña, Cristina Reyes, Jackie Reyes, Melissa Montemayor and Laura Guevara in the violin section. The guitar section included Benito Vargas, Gilbert Villarreal, Pedro Ramos and Joaquin Fernandez. Also attending were flutist Gina Herrera and trumpet players Jesus Gabriel Lugo, Jr., and Oscar Garza.
For more information, contact Ruben Vargas at the LCC Music and Dance Department by calling 721-5330.
Members of the Laredo Community College Mariachi Palomino are pictured
with Mayor Betty Flores after an exciting performance in Washington, D.C.
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