Aldine ISD Fall/Winter 2025

AISD NEWS FEATURE AISD’s Harris Elementary Makes District History With Mariachi Los Patriotas

and received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Shenandoah Conservatory. Her passion for mariachi is deeply rooted in her family history. Koepp’s grandfather was the general manager of KCOR Radio in San Antonio, the first Spanish-speaking radio station in the United States, founded in the 1940s. Growing up surrounded by mariachi music had a lasting impact. It helped ignite the vision that is brought to Harris Elementary today. Koepp’s inspiration was also fueled by attending past mariachi workshops in Las Vegas and the Southwest Texas area, where she saw firsthand the role that strong elementary music programs play in the success of nationally recognized mariachi ensembles. “Training at the early level is vital to a successful secondary music program,” Koepp said. “That’s what inspired me to create something different and new in Aldine and begin laying a foundation for a future feeder pattern that can support the Carver HS Mariachi program under the direction of Jaime Alanis, and help elevate their program to the next level. “It all starts at the elementary music program. With the right support, skills, and dedication, these foundations help students develop lifelong skills, musicianship, and a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.” With Mariachi Los Patriotas at Harris Elementary, the path for future mariachi programs in Aldine ISD is being paved.

Koepp. It was not easy starting from the ground up, especially with ordering instruments and supplies. My principal coordinated the donation of the uniforms. It truly started from ground zero. “These students meet only once or twice a week, yet they’ve shown incredible growth and dedication. Imagine the possibilities if we worked with them on an even more regular basis,” said Koepp. This group is about more than just playing music. It is about giving students space to experience expression, cultural heritage, teamwork, responsibility, communication, and listening skills. They are learning the roots of mariachi while creating something entirely new for our community.” In addition to weekly rehearsals, the group has benefited from the mentorship and guidance of José Longoria from the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas. His coaching has helped elevate the ensemble’s level of performance. Natalie Koepp is going on her 20th year of teaching music. A former orchestra director, she has taught at every grade level and earned multiple University Interscholastic League (UIL) Sweepstakes awards throughout her career. One of her former students became an all-state cellist and is now pursuing a master’s in cello performance, while a few others have gone on to become orchestra directors themselves. Koepp started the violin at the age of nine in an elementary strings program in Virginia Beach, VA,

Harris Elementary School made district history with the creation of Mariachi Los Patriotas, the first and only elementary-level mariachi ensemble in Aldine ISD. Made up of students in third through fifth grade, the group represents the expanding cultural arts and musical excellence in the district. The program began last year as a violin club for second and third graders, but quickly evolved into a complete mariachi ensemble. The transformation was led by music teacher Natalie Koepp, with key support from Principal Norman Dionisio and former Assistant Principal K’Nara Coleman. The students receive specialized instruction from Edgar Cázares, a clinician for the vihuela and guitarrón. Mariachi Los Patriotas performs traditional mariachi music, featuring vocals, violins, vihuela, and guitarrón. We have about 30 students in the after-school program, with another 60 interested who can’t attend due to transportation. To include them, we’re having them participate during their music or ADSY class instead. Students rehearse once a week after school and on Additional Days School Year (ADSY) days by grade level. All participants commit to an academic and behavior contract, reinforcing the program’s high expectations of excellence and accountability. “I was very fortunate to have an administration team that supported my vision to create this program,” said