As the only elementary school in St. Vrain Valley Schools to offer Mariachi Band in its music program, Indian Peaks Elementary provides a unique cultural experience for students. Now students participating in Mariachi Band will get the new instruments they need thanks to funding of the Teacher Innovation Grant through the SVVSD Education Foundation.

Currently, the band’s 10 students meet on Thursday mornings and practice with borrowed instruments. However, Indian Peaks Elementary Principal Kathi Jo Walder can’t wait to see how the addition of new instruments and an end of year performance will impact student participation. “Having new instruments and the concert will spark more interest and excitement around the Mariachi Band,” says Principal Walder.  

Indian Peaks Elementary’s 2nd year music teacher, Kris Emanuel, started the Mariachi Band to help build students’ confidence and experience before middle school. Principal Walder says that Emanuel has worked with the music teachers at Sunset Middle School to find out what students need to be prepared for, like performing in more concerts and playing different instruments. “I am so appreciative of Kris,” says Principal Walder. “He has really done a tremendous job of elevating the music program.”