Courtesy of Hohner
Edinburg, TX – Ten young musicians from across South Texas had a night they’ll never forget as they met the legendary Los Tigres Del Norte backstage at their April 12 concert at Bert Ogden Arena. The experience was made possible through the KHS America/HOHNER Alianza Académica initiative, a program committed to fostering music education rooted in Latino traditions like Conjunto, Mariachi, and Norteño.
The selected students, representing middle and high school conjunto programs from Edinburg, Los Fresnos, Mission, Palmview, Pharr, Roma, San Juan, and San Benito, not only enjoyed a live performance from one of Regional Mexican music’s most iconic groups, but were also invited behind the scenes to meet the members of Los Tigres Del Norte — a band whose music has influenced generations with its powerful storytelling and cultural impact.
“Programs like this are vital to keeping these traditions alive and inspiring the next generation of artists,” said Gilbert Reyes, HOHNER Brand Manager. “We are thrilled to offer these students the chance to connect directly with some of the most iconic figures in Latino music.”
The participating students included:
- Briseyla Luna – Edinburg North High School (Edinburg, TX)
- Leah Cortez – Los Fresnos High School (Los Fresnos, TX)
- Camila S. Cabrera – Veterans Memorial High School (Mission, TX)
- Miranda Perales – Rafael Cantu Jr. High School (Mission, TX)
- Hector Contreras – La Joya Palmview High School (Palmview, TX)
- Juan Villarreal – Valley View High School (Pharr, TX)
- Dagoberto Rios III – Ramiro Barrera Middle School (Roma, TX)
- Sofia Garcia – PSJA Early College High School (San Juan, TX)
- Rafael Eden Alfaro – San Benito High School (San Benito, TX)
- Fabian Campos – San Benito High School (San Benito, TX)
Courtesy of Hohner
Accompanied by their dedicated music directors, the students experienced firsthand the power and influence of Norteño music through a personal connection with a group that has helped define it. Los Tigres Del Norte, known for their gripping corridos and commitment to telling stories that reflect the Latino experience, continue to serve as role models for aspiring musicians.
This Edinburg event wasn’t the first time the Alianza Académica brought students face-to-face with their musical heroes. On February 7, students from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School and the Los Fresnos High School Conjunto Program met Los Tigres Del Norte at another unforgettable concert in San Antonio.
Through these efforts, the HOHNER/KHS initiative is helping to ensure the future of regional music remains bright by directly engaging and uplifting the next generation of artists. With each concert, each backstage moment, and each handshake with an icon, these South Texas students are finding inspiration — and their place in the musical legacy of their culture.
For more information about the HOHNER/KHS Alianza Académica initiative, please visit here.
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