2025-2026 New Enrollment Information

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION

Welcome to the award winning Klein Oak High School Mariachi program! The quickest way to get a feel of what our mariachi program is like is to check out our videos and pictures on the Media page!

Here are some of the most important components of our program that you need to know right away!

The MARIACHI consists of the following instruments: violin, trumpet, “armonia” which is guitar and vihuela, and guitarron (the bass instrument). Other instruments that perform with mariachi include guitarra de golpe, harp, flute, and harp or "arpa."

Students who play violin, flute, or trumpet must continue their instruction with orchestra or band class. This will require two elective slots. There is also an after school component for all new and veteran members (fall marching band rehearsals do not conflict).

Students who do not play violin, flute, or trumpet will learn to play guitar or guitarron. Learning to play guitar is the gateway to learning how to play the vihuela. Orchestra cello/bass players make EXCELLENT armonia/guitarron players. Viola players can also play violin parts in the mariachi or learn to play armonia. Vocalists with no prior instrumental experience will start on guitar.

There are COSTS and equipment associated with the Klein Oak Mariachi Program.

New members will purchase their “consumable” uniform supply kit consisting of a performance belt, and performance boots or “botines” and a marachi t-shirt. These items are specifically sized to the individual, are color-coordinated to match our uniforms, and can be used for the extent of their enrollment/participation with the Klein Oak HS Mariachi. These items will be fitted and purchased from our supply vendor on-site and are yours to keep. Some students may also be measured/fitted for a mariachi uniform or “traje.” The mariachi uniform consists of a decorative pant or skirt, vest, jacket, sombrero, and tie. These items are inventory and property of Klein ISD. Students who achieve the status of “Varsity Performance Team” will be issued a mariachi uniform. Students not in Varsity will only be issued a pant or skirt, and a tie for performances or other events. The date our vendor will come is still to be determined but should occur on a weekend in August at or very near the start of classes. The fair market value of the consumable supply kit should not exceed $200. Additionally, new armonia members will be purchasing their supply kit at the KISD Armonia Camp. For guitar/vihuela players this includes a strap, tuner and picks (guitarron players only need a tuner).

Enrollment in the class also includes a $100 activity fee which will be paid via SchoolCash (online). Additionally, students who use a school instrument (guitar, guitarron, cello, bass) also pay one instrument maintenance fee of $50, also paid via SchoolCash. 

There will be two mariachi classes starting in the 2025-2026 school-year. Varsity members, approved second year armonia players, and ALL violin/flute/trumpet players will meet during 7th period (advanced mariachi class) in the orchestra room. Beginner armonia players will meet 4th period. Beginners who display rapid progress during the summer camps may be admitted into the advanced class. There are after school commitments including rehearsals, concerts, performances, competitions and other events. There will be separate after school activities for both VARSITY and JUNIOR VARSITY members. There will be times when students may be promoted or even demoted between the two groups. From time to time, students may be asked to attend clinics or other events on the weekend. Regularly scheduled rehearsals and upcoming events will always appear in our google calendar, on the website, and be communicated through Remind.

Students can expect to perform in at least three mariachi concerts throughout the year and may be asked to perform for district events during or after school. Individuals can also compete to participate in other concerts/performance opportunities like the Houston Mariachi All-Stars and TMEA Region and All-State.

The Klein Oak Mariachi program is an active contender in the TMEA Region and All-State contest, UIL State Mariachi Festival, TAME Mariachi Competition, Houston Mariachi All-Stars, and other events. These events may require extra rehearsals/clinics, and overnight travel. No Pass/No Play Rules are in effect for competitions and overnight travel. There are opportunities for both VARSITY and JUNIOR VARSITY teams to compete.

The mariachi classes are accompanied and supported by the Klein Oak student Mariachi Club, led by its elected officers. They are tasked with fundraising opportunities for the program and social/team-building events. From time to time, students may be asked to participate in performances that generate donations for our program.

There are three levels of Mariachi at Klein Oak HS. Beginner (Armonia), Junior Varsity, and Varsity. Students with advanced training and prior experience will start out in the Varsity team. In the fall semester, a determination will be made for the VARSITY PERFORMANCE TEAM for the spring (competition) semester. JUNIOR VARSITY will continue to perform and compete in Junior Varsity division opportunities. Beginner mariachi members may be moved up to 7th period at the end of the fall semester OR may be invited to after school rehearsals even earlier in the semester.

The UNIFORM for JUNIOR VARSITY will be black collared buttoned shirt, belt, boots, and Klein Oak mariachi solid pants or skirt, and solid color tie.

The UNIFORM for VARSITY will be black collared buttoned shirt (men’s/boy's style), belt, boots, and Klein Oak mariachi pants or skirt, vest, jacket, performance tie, and sombrero.