UTSA's Tejano Ensemble: Reviving Roots, Raising Funds

University of Texas at San Antonio just lit up the Empire Theater with their Sanito

Tejano ensemble, backed by heavy hitters like instructor Shelley, layers and stars,

Patsy Torres, Sunny Sassada, Ruben Ramos, Ram Herrera, Santiago Jimenez Jr., and Little

Joe.

This group's the only Tejano band at the college level in all of Texas, blending those

classic South Texas sounds from conjunto roots made by, working class Mexican Americans.

Tejano musics got deep ties to the homeland, and what's wild is the original creators

are still around to teach the students hands on, pros like Grammy-winning accordionists

Sassida drop in to share their craft, keeping the tradition fresh in classrooms.

Students and faculty are buzzing with pride kids, from places like Eagle Pass feel the honor

of repping their roots right in what some call the Tejano.

Capital.

Dean points out there's real demand for this music, even if folks think it's fading, schools

like UTSA can spark a comeback.

Their latest show mixed, conjunto, orchestra, progressive, and kumbia vibes, honoring legends

like Lydia Mendoza while raising cash for scholarships.

Hits like a more querido and less new bays had the crowd on their feet.

Classes are packed now, with next semester's spots already feeling faster than before,

and high school seniors are lining up early.

This surge shows Tejano's heartbeat strong, ready to roll into the next generation.

That's your update from El Paso News today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with the story.