At Glenview Middle School, a newly-formed mariachi band is connecting kids to their culture.
The band, made up of 23 students, started practice this fall. Music teacher Rich Clark said the idea was inspired by the East Moline school's demographic make-up.
"It just so happens that our district has 30.7 percent Latino population, which is almost a third of the school," said Clark. "If we have that large of a Latino population, we should be doing something within our music program to meet the needs of those students."
Mariachi is a form of Mexican folk music that dates back to the 1840s. The genre has proved to be a popular pick among students, who play either guitar, violin or trumpet.
Most of the band's members had never picked up an instrument before joining.
"This was my first time," said fifth grader Luis Barajas.
His reason for getting involved, though, was simple.
"I like Mexican music, so I wanted to actually play Mexican music," said Barajas.
Barajas said he enjoys learning guitar, and is now teaching his sister how to play at home. Other band members say the mariachi music is bringing their families together, too.
"I get to bond with my dad because he and I, we've been practicing together, and I've never done something like that with him before," said fifth grader Yanel Alaniz.
The mariachi band will have its first performance on Thursday, January 21, 2015. The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the North Gym at Glenview Middle School.