Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Longoria.
Hi Jose, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a 3rd generation mariachi, a tradition inherited from my father and grandfather were Mariachi. Il i began performing with my father at the age of 9. My three sons are also Mariachi musicians!
After college I started my career as a 6th grade math teacher at Patrick Henry MS.. During my first year of teaching math, the principal found out I was a mariachi performer, and she asked if I could start a mariachi class. Of course I said yes. I then started Mariachi classes at Sam Houston HS and the mariachi programs are both schools for 21 years. Then I was offered an opportunity to start a mariachi program at UH part tume. I was offered the full time position in 2022 and have been UH for a total 7 years
Aside from being a mariachi educator, I lead and direct Mariachi Imperial de America for the past 30 years. With this mariachi group we have traveled and performed abroad in the following countries: China(Beijing/Shanghai), Armenia, Albania, Macedonia, Canada and France. This mariachi is also currently the official Mariachi for the Houston Texans Football teams, which performs at every home game at the NRG.
Lastly, I also own and direct an all female mariachi by the name of Las Chabelitas, a talented youth group.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I will say that nothing has been smooth and easy, but at the same time I’ve been blessed to have met and worked with people in education that were key in getting where I am now. God put all of these people in my path and they have been instrumental in the successes of my career
I also give credit to my father who raise me to be a hardworking and humbled person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a profesir at U of H of Mariachi studies. I lead two Mariachi ensembles there. I also lead and direct 2 Mariachi groups: Mariachi Imperial de America and Las Chabelitas.
I’m very proud of continuing my father’s legacy of Mariachi music.
I love composing music and have composed and recorded for artistes in other genres like fr Mexican OT (rap), Fat Tony(rap) and William Beckham (country(
Image Credits
Jose Longoria
