Photo courtesy of Mission CISD
MISSION, TEXAS — Mission High School (MHS) announces the launch of Grupo Invicto, its new Conjunto band program, marking an expansion of Mission Consolidated Independent School District’s (CISD) preserving and celebrating South Texas’s rich cultural heritage.
Building upon a foundation established three years ago in Mission CISD’s junior high schools, Conjunto music has now made its way to the high school level under the leadership of MHS Conjunto Group Teacher, Orlando Salinas.
“This is my first year leading Grupo Invicto at Mission High School, and the response has been incredible,” said Salinas. “Our band had its first-ever performance at a pep rally recently, and the excitement was immediate. After that, even more students joined because they wanted to be part of this tradition and our growing Conjunto community.”
Grupo Invicto offers students hands-on experience with traditional Conjunto instruments, including the accordion, bajo sexto, and percussion. This opportunity allows them to connect with their heritage, develop musical skills, and foster a sense of pride in the vibrant traditions of the Rio Grande Valley.
“Conjunto is a part of who we are in this region, and it’s amazing to see our students embracing that,” Salinas continued. “My goal is to expand Grupo Invicto into multiple groups for different skill levels, given the number of students interested.”
Grupo Invicto joins the growing family of Mission CISD Conjunto bands, including:
- Época Azul at Veterans Memorial High School, led by Francisco Vela
- Cavaliers at R. Cantu Junior High, led by Richard Cerrillo
- Los Falcones at Alton Memorial Junior High, led by Armando Rodriguez
- Independencia at Mission Junior High, led by Francisco Vela
- Grupo Nuevo Halcon at K. White Junior High, led by Orlando Tijerina
Mission CISD’s introduction of Conjunto at the junior high level has already proven successful in sparking interest among younger students.
Now, with Grupo Invicto at MHS, the district is enhancing opportunities for student engagement in a meaningful, culturally relevant way.
Salinas and his students are eager to showcase their talents and share their music with the community at upcoming performances, both within the school and locally.
“We plan on performing not only at school events but also throughout the community,” said Salinas. “There are always opportunities to perform within the district, and we love being able to spread our music and represent the legacy of Conjunto here in Mission.”
Mission CISD invites parents, community members, and local music enthusiasts to look forward to these upcoming performances by Grupo Invicto as they bring the unique sounds of Tejano music to new audiences.
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