Mariachi Academy to perform at Barn Theatre

If you are looking for something to do Saturday night, the Barn Theatre will be hosting Mariachi at the Barn, an event that will showcase the talented students of Mariachi Academy for the Performing Arts Foundation.

“We established Mariachi Academy in 1999 and we’ve been doing the show now for about 13 years,” said Frank Chavez, the academy’s musical director.

The proceeds from the shows allow the academy to provide an affordable opportunity for new and remaining students to learn and play music they are passionate about.

“We fund raise for a couple of reasons,” Chavez said. “First, it keeps the fees low for student classes. We charge $20 a month for 4 to 6 sessions. The other thing is that we take all the kids to the Clovis water park once a year and we pay for everything.”

Students are taught a range of instruments including violin, trumpet and guitar. Learning to sing is also an option through the academy.

“It will be a fun event,” Johnny Orduno, President of the Mariachi Academy for the Performing Arts said.

Saturday’s performance will feature around 40 students ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old and they will be performing old and new songs for the audience to enjoy.

“The kids practice year round, and we want to showcase them,” said Orduno. “The kids are excited, and we are too.”

Entrance fee for adults will be $10 and $5 for children 12 and under and will be hosted at the Barn Theatre located at 42 S. Plano Street across from Vallarta grocery store.

Doors will open to the public at 5:30 p.m. and the musical program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event are also available online at Portervillebarntheatre.com.