LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The mariachi group from Duane D. Keller Middle School won a national competition after fundraising to cover travel costs.
Mariachi Alas Doradas raised money to attend the competition after the Clark County School District faced budget cuts. The group exceeded its fundraising goal with help from the community.
“They called on the community, and they said, ‘Hey, we need some help getting to this national competition. Can we make it happen?’” said reporter Karla Salinas. “And so they raised the money, not only that, but they went over their goal.”
The middle school students are taught by director Miriam Vazquez.
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Student overcame heart surgery to perform
Salinas visited the school before the competition and watched the students perform.
“They saw the camera, they saw me, and they were like, ‘We want to play for her,’” Salinas said. “And, ‘What song would you like us to play?’”
One student told Salinas that playing mariachi is his biggest passion. The student had to undergo heart surgery, and doctors told him he would not be able to play anymore.
“He was not taking that for an answer,” Salinas said. “He did physical therapy until he was able to play again.”
Community celebrates win
The students posted on social media immediately after winning the competition.
“They were so happy. They couldn’t believe that they had won,” Salinas said.
The group is being recognized by the local community. Tuesday has been designated as Mariachi Alas Doradas Day.
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