Written by Mr. TJ Gomez, Sponsor of Mariachi Corona de Morenci High School
Mariachi Corona de Morenci High School started as a simple Cat Academy class three years ago. I spoke to Mr. Munoz and Mr. Willey, two of the MUSD music education teachers, about what I wanted to do. At first, they thought I was a little crazy because I didn't have a full game plan, just a dream. I took seven students, found a few instruments, and on the first day of class, I handed them the instruments and said let's play. Fast forward to today, three years later, we are a fully functioning Mariachi Ensemble with the same support of Mr. Munoz and Mr. Willey, who still remind me of the huge risk I took three years ago and turned that risk into something beautiful.
What is Mariachi at Morenci High School? Mariachi serves as an opportunity for students to participate in the fine arts, to learn how to read music and learn to play an instrument, but most importantly, to also learn the cultural value and aspect that Mariachi music as a genre has had on the global music scene. We work closely with Mariachi Plata de Western New Mexico University, one of the most award-winning university Mariachis in the United States. Our students meet for class every morning at 7 AM to practice and learn new music, understand basic music theory, enhance their skills on their instruments, and learn more about Mexican culture through Mariachi. Our students also have two evening rehearsals every week in which we focus on particular songs to learn how to play them and master the different styles found within Mariachi music. The motto that we have created and follow daily that guides us through what we do is "Enhancing Music Education Through Mariachi." Most of the students in Mariachi have never played music before and are working hard each and every day to master their craft and skills. Students often approach me and ask if they need to know how to play music to be part of the mariachi; I always respond that it helps but is not required. In Mariachi, we encourage students to join the MHS band program to learn music basics and skills and also join Mariachi to have a multi-perspective view of not only what music education is but where it can take them.
Currently, the only senior in the class will go on to play with Mariachi Plata de Western New Mexico University next year at the university level while attending school; we are so proud of this young man. I am proud of the dedication, commitment, and hard work these students bring with them every day. Though Mariachi is a commitment, and we put in the hard work every day, we are also a family.
¡¡QUÉ VIVA EL MARIACHI!!
*On November 1st, Mariachi Corona de Morenci High School, in collaboration with the MHS Spanish Honor Society, held its inaugural concert. The event was held in honor of Dia de los Muertos. Traditional dishes were served such as menudo, posole, tamales, and pan dulce. We want to thank all who attended and contributed to the event. A special thank you to GloryAnn’s, Zuly’s, and parents who donated their time and resources to the event. We hope to continue to honor cultural diversity and bring more celebrations like this to our community.
Please join us this Saturday in the MHS MPR and patio for our first annual Fall Festival!! We will have music, delicious food, a number of vendors, a bouncy house, games, and more!!
Today is our first HOME basketball game Verse Destiny! Our Girls play at 4:00 and our Boys play at 5:00. Come fill the stands ands Support our students!
Thank you to all the families who joined us at College Night! Your presence made it successful, connecting our students with valuable educational opportunities. A special shoutout to representatives from Eastern Arizona College, Cochise College, Western New Mexico University, New Mexico State University, Grand Canyon University, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, the University of Arizona, Gila Institute for Technology, America's Small Business of America, and the Army and Air Force for their impactful contributions.
Highlights from the Night:
💬 In-depth conversations about future opportunities for students.
🌌 EAC Astronomy Class explored Saturn and Jupiter.
👩⚕️ Explored medical fields with hands-on experiences.
🐍 Wild Animal Biology featured live encounters with snakes and Gila Hank, the Gila Monster.
🎓 Scholarship opportunities.
🏫 Introduction to college for our youngest Wildcats.
Thanks again for being part of this journey. Stay tuned for more impactful events at MUSD! #wearemorenci
With shopping season upon us, cyber criminals are sending text messages claiming your package has arrived at the warehouse but cannot be delivered. This is a phishing scam! Please talk with your family, including your child about this popular scam. Do not click on any links and delete the message.
Feathers flew at MUSD yesterday for the 11th Annual Turkey Trot! Hats off to our K-8 trotters for strutting their stuff with pride and perseverance. This event promotes a healthy lifestyle and mind-body development, drumming up serious fun! The top three finishers took home medals, and the first-place winner earned a certificate for a frozen turkey from Bashas. #wearemorenci #trottingforturkey
Join MUSD for a night of exploration at Morenci High School's College Night on Tuesday, Nov 14, 6-8 pm! Open to everyone eager to discover college opportunities. Learn about scholarships, dive into interactive sessions, and enjoy free popcorn. Your chance to shape your future starts here!
Remember: "The best way to predict the future is to create it." #wearemorenci #exploreyourfuture #opportunityawaits
FMS Families--If your student is participating in our schoolwide fundraiser using the seller packet, please turn in the fundraiser packets and cash to the office by 3 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 14. The link provided shows the items included in the paper packets!
(If your student is selling online, the online store will close Nov. 20). Thank you for your support!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zjenC9N4wxvWIo2I6nFcXQ4sMde-423w/view?usp=sharing
The Morenci Wildcats take on Paradise Honors tonight at 7:00 at Paradise Honors High School. Come out and support the Cats as they continue their postseason journey. If you are not able to attend, the game will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@paradisehonorsathletics/streams. Good Luck Wildcats!
Congratulations to the four swimmers who competed at the state meet last weekend. Isabella Leyba, a sophomore, advanced to the finals and represented Morenci well. #wearemorenci
Good morning wildcats! We want to remind our Wildkitten Den and Wildcat Club parents that we will be closing at 4:00 pm Thursday November 9th, for staff training. Please make sure your children are picked up before this time.
If you have any questions please give us a call at 928-865-0631. Thank you!
Fairbanks Families, Attached is the November Newsletter. We look forward to another fun filled month. As always thank you for supporting us and your students.
We would like to congratulate our 7th Grade Football Team. They went undefeated 7-0. 7th Grade Conference Champs. Good Job Wildcats!
Fairbanks is teaming up with Metcalf and the Lion's Club to put together Holiday food boxes for families in our community. Below is a list of items that are requested. If you would like to donate any other non perishable items please feel free to drop them off to the Fairbanks office. We thank you for your continued support!
Preschool celebrated the 50th day of school 50's style. We made old fashion cola floats, learned the hand jive, had a bubble gum blowing competition and so much more. We had a blast!
Good luck to our MHS football team, from our littlest Wildcats!
Morenci School District and Beyond Textbooks recently celebrated 15-years of working together. Our partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to enhancing our educational system and promoting student success. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and a positive impact on education!
Join us on November 30th from 4:30 - 7:30 in the Metcalf MPR for the Family dance! We hope to see you there!
Good morning, if you are wanting to support FMS Student Council and can’t find an FMS student who is participating in the fundraiser, you can browse the online store at https://store.zagfundraising.com/ using the seller ID 85128738. Items can be shipped directly to you, or ship them to FMS and you can pick them up December 18!
Our Red Ribbon Week Celebration continues at FMS! Today's spirit day is "Shade Out Drugs" (glasses/hat day). Please post photos of your FMS student showing their school spirit in the comments!
