Ten talented students from across South Texas had a lifetime opportunity—meeting the legendary Los Tigres Del Norte during their concert at Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. This unforgettable experience was made possible through a groundbreaking program connecting young musicians with Latino music’s rich traditions.
Students from Edinburg, Los Fresnos, Mission, Palmview, Pharr, Roma, San Juan, and San Benito were hand-selected to attend the concert and an exclusive backstage meet-and-greet with one of the most iconic groups in Regional Mexican music. These young musicians, all part of school-based conjunto music programs, got a firsthand look at the cultural impact of artists who have paved the way for generations.
“Programs like this are vital to keeping these traditions alive and inspiring the next generation of artists,” said Gilbert Reyes, HOHNER Brand Manager. “We are thrilled to offer these students the chance to connect directly with some of the most iconic figures in Latino music.”
The HOHNER/KHS Alianza Académica initiative promotes music education in Latino genres like Mariachi, Conjunto, and Norteño. Its mission is to bridge the gap between classrooms, communities, and the professional music industry by offering unique opportunities to learn from the best.
Not only did the students attend the show, but they also engaged in a heartfelt exchange with Los Tigres Del Norte, icons known for using music to tell powerful stories of immigration, family, identity, and social justice. This special interaction inspired, informed, and encouraged the students to continue pursuing their musical dreams.
Participating Students:
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Briseyla Luna – Edinburg North High School (Edinburg, TX)
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Leah Cortez – Los Fresnos High School (Los Fresnos, TX)
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Camila S. Cabrera – Veterans Memorial High School (Mission, TX)
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Miranda Perales – Rafael Cantu Jr. High School (Mission, TX)
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Hector Contreras – La Joya Palmview High School (Palmview, TX)
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Juan Villarreal – Valley View High School (Pharr, TX)
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Dagoberto Rios III – Ramiro Barrera Middle School (Roma, TX)
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Sofia Garcia – PSJA Early College High School (San Juan, TX)
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Rafael Eden Alfaro – San Benito High School (San Benito, TX)
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Fabian Campos – San Benito High School (San Benito, TX)
Image by Hohner Accordions
This isn’t the first time the initiative has created such memorable experiences. Earlier this spring, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School students and Los Fresnos High School’s conjunto programs were given a similar opportunity to meet Los Tigres Del Norte at their San Antonio concert on February 7, 2025.
These moments are more than meet-and-greets—they’re mentorships in motion. As these young accordionists and musicians continue to hone their skills, they carry the legacy of a genre and the encouragement of living legends.
To learn more about the Alianza Académica initiative, visit:
🔗 https://academicalliance.com/alianza-academica-program-overview/
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