MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (KXXV) — One Baylor University student is sharing his culture through music — Isaiah Herrera decided to start his own mariachi band in 2021 after realizing there was no mariachi band at Baylor University. I started the band at Baylor University.
Isaiah Herrera quickly realized the impact his mariachi band, Los Osos Dorados, had on other students As Baylor City’s diverse population grows, minority enrollment is now up from 34 percent last year. With a rate of 35 percent, Herrera said Osos Dorados is a way for people to expand their knowledge of and about other cultures. Creating understanding between them, the band performed a slightly Latin-tinged American national anthem during a Baylor volleyball game.
Broadcast transcript:
“If you look at mariachi, there are some Hispanics. There are people from all different cultures and backgrounds," Herrera said.
Behind all the sounds made by Baylor Mariachi, Osos Dorados is a diverse group of students who come together for Mariachi, a powerful symbol of Hispanic culture.
Isaiah Herrera grew up playing mariachi, so he founded a mariachi band in 2021 after realizing there was no mariachi band on Baylor University’s campus.
From then on, he realized the impact music had on other students.
“This music doesn’t just belong to Hispanic culture. It’s for everyone. There’s a place for everyone to come and experience music and everything related to it. It’s beautiful,” Herrera said. .
Baylor has a growing diverse population, with minority enrollment now at 35 percent, up from 34 percent last year.
Herrera says Osos Dorados is a way for people to expand their knowledge of different cultures and create mutual understanding.
“I feel that using music from all backgrounds can be a way for people to communicate across the world and share something personal,” he said.
The band, a mission of the Osos Dorados, performed a slightly Latin-inspired version of the national anthem during a Baylor volleyball game.
“I truly believe that you can listen to mariachi music and connect with it,” Herrera said.
“Music connects and doesn’t separate, so in some way it can be an avenue for all of us to experience happiness and peace together.”
This year’s Baylor University freshman class is the most diverse ever, with approximately 38% minority students.
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