When Steph Ramos and Professor Elise DuBord first came up with the idea for a mariachi band at the University of Northern Iowa, they did not know it would become popular among students from different majors. Today, the Mariachi Panteras are composed of students, professors, and even a few first-time musicians. This group is showing that music isn’t just about notes and rhythms, but about connection, culture, and bringing people together, creating a sense of belonging among faculty and students.
It all began with a simple question, “Why don’t we have our mariachi group?” Ramos, a music major, and DuBord, a Spanish professor, were inspired after watching a performance from Denison High School’s mariachi band at UNI in 2023. After the performance, they started planning the group, but soon realized that starting a mariachi band isn’t as easy as picking up a guitar. They needed instruments like the guitarrón and vihuela, which students did not have access to. Dr. Kevin Droe, a music professor, helped get the instruments, and by January 2024, Dr. Melinda Boyd, the group’s director, sent out an email saying, “Let’s make this happen.”
Like any new student organization, the Mariachi Panteras have faced some challenges. The first rehearsal was a mix of chaos and excitement. “We had music majors, Spanish students, professors, and even people who have never touched an instrument before,” DuBord said. The main challenge the group is facing is finding time for everyone to practice together, which was difficult at first, especially with music students’ busy schedules. To resolve this issue, they decided to move rehearsals to Thursday evenings when most music students have time to practice. Next fall, the group will become even more official when it is offered as a one-credit class, which should make it easier for students to join and not worry about what time they should practice.
What makes the Mariachi Panteras special is not just the music, but the way they become a bridge between cultures. Take Bailey Johnson, a senior who decided to play the violin when he joined. “He hadn’t played in years, but he dove in headfirst,” DuBord stated. For students who grew up with Mariachi music, hearing these familiar songs on campus helps UNI feel more welcoming, and for those experiencing this music for the first time, it is a chance to learn about an important part of Latinx culture. The group has already performed at several campus events, including the Taste of Culture festival and a special April Fools’ Day concert. These concerts have been well accepted by UNI students, so the Mariachi Band plans on having more concerts in the future, with a performance coming up on May 5 in Russell Hall.
Whether you want to join the group or just enjoy their performances, Mariachi Panteras shows how music can bring people together in powerful ways. Starting from a simple idea, this band has come a long way and hopes to continue growing in the future with more performances coming. “This group is a good example of what can happen when students, whether they study music or not, are encouraged to build something together,” DuBord said. Be sure to catch their next performance on May 5 in Russell Hall. If you have any questions or want more information about the group, reach out to Professor DuBord.
