Las Cruces, NM – On this edition of PUENTES a la comunidad, bridges to the community, host Emily Guerra met with Las Cruces Mariachi Conservatory Executive Director, Robert Palacios, and with student and soloist, Alyssa Adriana Bustillos, to talk about the importance of the Mariachi Conservatory in the community.
In January 2016 the Las Cruces Mariachi Conservatory opened its doors at 1832 West Amador Avenue with music lessons and instruction of the following instruments: violin, trumpet, vihuela, guitar, guitarron, and voice. They now have 41 students and three youth groups, Mariachi Nuevo Sol (new sun), Mariachi Espuelas de Cobre (copper spurs), and an all-female group, Mariachi Las Muñecas (the dolls). They also started a non-profit organization, New Mexico Advocates for the Arts, composed of mariachi student parents to help with scholarships funds. Their 2nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be held Sunday, October 14th from 12pm to 6pm. Call Rob Palacios at 575-680-3123 or 575-649-0378 for more information.
The 25th Annual Las Cruces Mariachi International Conference will be held November 7th to 11th. To volunteer for these events and for more information visit www.lcmariachiconservatory.com; and on Facebook at New Mexico Advocates for the Arts or Las Cruces Mariachi Conservatory.