Guitars, violins, and trumpets all in the little hands of musicians who in some cases seem smaller than their instruments.

Eduardo Reyes, 9, has been playing the trumpet for two years. His uncle, who plays in a mariachi band, bought him this one – a family tradition it turns out.

“When he was little he also liked playing the trumpet and his grandpa actually got him a purple one just like this one," Eduardo explains.

Eduardo is one of 80 students learning the art of mariachi at Haddon STEAM Academy and Magnet in Pacoima. He loves everything about it, including his charro costume. “I get, like, fancy stuff," he giggles.

Fellow trumpet player Rosemarie De Rosas is new to the instrument. Her favorite thing about it? “It’s loud,” she says.

The mariachi program began three years ago and has grown to quite a crescendo. Instructor Juan Romero says this is an entirely new experience for some of these kids – who start as young as age six.

He teaches them everything, from how to hold their instrument to how to read basic music. 

“It makes their talents come alive," he says. "It also teaches them how to be leaders and structure.”

The award-winning mariachi program helps put the A in the STEAM academy, and now so does the Folklorico program, added just this year. Both are offered after school, free of charge, through the non-profit organization Woodcraft Rangers.

Culture is definitely an important part of the program. “It’s part of my culture," Rosemarie says. "We celebrate like parties and everything with music.”

Standing in front of the entire group, singing all by herself, it’s clear the 11-year-old loves the music. Being in the program has helped her not only connect to her heritage, it’s helped her find her voice and what could be a lifelong source of joy.

“It makes me feel happy and when I’m in a bad mood, all my anger goes out with music," she explains. "It’s a wonderful thing to do."