BRYAN, TEXAS — Texas A&M's Mariachi Anillos de Oro has been celebrating the Aggie spirit while keeping their Hispanic culture alive in a traditional way.
The band's mission is simple, to spread the Mexican culture and heritage throughout the Brazos Valley.
"We strive to promote our cultural heritage through our performance of music, both on campus and off-campus," said Sabrina Cuadra, President of Aggieland Mariachi.
Though not of Mexican descent herself, Cuadra says she wanted to belong to a group and becoming a mariachi band member was perfect.
"I love the music. I love the culture. I love the people I am performing with. It just makes me really proud to be able to put this music out there," Cuadra added.
Group members hope people will enjoy their mariachi music as much as they do.
"I do hope that people will walk away with an impression that mariachi is a beautiful art and that it is beautiful music and hopefully they will listen to some and hire a group for their events," said Rafael Alvarado, Aggieland Mariachi Leader.
While bookings for the group during the COVID-19 pandemic have been slow, the musicians know that will soon change.
"...slowly as the state regulations are lessening, people are starting to host parties in larger quantities of people and we are starting to get bookings again," Alvarado added.
For David Posadas, the feeling he gets from hearing sounds from his native land is indescribable.
"....the feelings.. like hey I am from Mexico. The pride comes out. It makes you very proud," Posadas, Owner of Taco Crave said.
Aggieland Mariachi performs for all sorts of events like Ring Dunks, birthdays and weddings. They even perform the Aggie War Hymn.
The group accepts students of all backgrounds and with any level of music experience. Auditions are not required to join.