Hayward school board member Luis Reynoso tried to garner support from organizations and parents for the implementation of mariachi band programs in Hayward’s high schools at the City Council meeting last Wednesday.

Teaming with Mariachi Juvenil de Hayward, an after-school mariachi program that works through donations, Reynoso wishes to represent the Latino community further by pushing for a mariachi band to be added to school curriculums.

“This is about reaching out to our community,” Reynoso said, “we don’t really have a cultural connection [in schools] for the Latino community.”

Like any other high school ensemble, the mariachi band, would offer art credit to the student musicians, according to Reynoso’s vision.

At the meeting Reynoso mentioned his plan for the first time, and will soon officially propose it to the board.

“We have the money now…[it] came through some of the funding from the state,” said Reynoso. “We also have money from Measure C.”

Approved by voters on the June 3 election ballot, Measure C authorized the city to increase the sales tax rate by 0.5 percent to fund the building of a new library and other expenditures.

Although funding is not an issue, Reynoso explained, he and his team face some obstacles. “There are no credential mariachi school teachers, but there are single subject credential music teachers,” he said.

“We can get coaches and consultants to guide [music teachers] along.”

Reynoso said the problem “will come more from the pushback.” However, he expressed optimism about the endeavor.

Reynoso said he wishes for this program to serve as an example to follow when other ethnic groups need representation.

“This is not a program to focus on one group, but rather, a program to be used as a template.”