Eight year old Andrew has been learning to play the vihuela for the last few months

Adelante Ministry of Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) has been offering music classes to children, youth, and adult for over twenty years. Children and youth have not only learned how to play instruments, but have also had the opportunity to travel and perform as part of Mariachi San Pablo in multiple states, from church services to large conferences.

“Many of these kids and teenagers not only grow in their playing abilities,” Miguel, director of Mariachi San Pablo, shared, “But with time, they become part of Mariachi San Pablo.”

Violin students meet on Saturdays to learn to make music with violins

From eight years of age to fifteen, these students have been receiving weekly lessons, learning to play the guitar, vihuela, and violin. They had the opportunity to put their lessons into play as they joined Mariachi San Pablo and the members of Zion Lutheran for their worship service on the second Sunday of February.

“It’s a joy to hear Mariachi San Pablo play,” one of the members shared afterwards, “And what a blessing to see these young children and youth grow in their musical abilities.”

As the year progresses, plans are being made for these Adelante students to join Mariachi San Pablo on future performances, whether in El Paso churches or out of town opportunities.

“It’s going to be a wonderful experience for them,” Maritza, member of Mariachi San Pablo since it was first founded in 2001, “Just like it was for many of us. We’re excited for this new experience for them.”

As the students continue to practice and learn, Adelante Ministry is preparing to equip them with the needed mariachi trajes, that is, the traditional mariachi suits. The expense for the trajes have always been covered by Adelante Ministry, thanks to many supporters of the music ministry of YLM.

If you would like to help fund the new mariachi suits, you can make a donation to Mariachi San Pablo or call Miguel Muñoz at (915) 858-2588 or email him at miguel.munoz@ylm.org