HERENCIA Mariachi Academy, Inc. aims to inspire on many fronts, even with its acronym. HERENCIA stands for Heritage, Education, Reach, Encourage, Nurture, Culture, Inspire, and Accomplish.
The academy, which recently received a grant via the CIELO Fund at Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), has long been preserving mariachi heritage in the region through education, cultural pride, and community connections. Inspiring children to develop a set of musical skills and preserving a valued tradition for future generations also comes into play.
The IECF grant will further help HERENCIA with those efforts as it continues helping local children find a safe haven while also gaining deeper understandings and appreciation for mariachi music.
“We are always grateful when community partners can support us because it continues to help us keep our doors open to provide mariachi music lessons and inspiration at a very low cost,” said Teresa Serrano, HERENCIA co-founder and executive board member. “When you break it down into the amount of time that we give our kids, I think that every student here represents one less child that’s out there doing things that they shouldn’t be doing.”
“The impact is great,” she added, “and we’re happy to be able to continue providing services to these youth in so many ways.”
The nonprofit’s main mission is to offer a well-rounded education that helps children learn lifelong skills and reassure their value in local communities. By offering a diverse music programs, youth can be steered to a more promising future.
In addition to a series of level-based classes, students can get instruction on the traditional mariachi instruments, depending on enrollment and placement. These include everything from trumpet, violin, and guitar to guitarrón, vihuela, and voice.
Founded a decade ago by Eddie Nuñez and Serrano, Nuñez took on the role of president of the academy. Mariachi Legend Rafael Palomar is the intrepid musical director/maestro.
“When our children were younger, Eddie and I said, ‘Hey, we’re driving all the way to Orange County for lessons. Why don’t we start looking into possibly opening the doors here,’” Serrano said of those early days, noting that overall, the experiences children receive goes “beyond music.”
“It’s the sense that we’re impacting the ability for children to connect and discover themselves,” she said. “There’s a lot that revolves around academic impact, social skills, confident development, and self-confidence.
“Then there’s the music, which does something to you more than many folks can imagine,” she added. “And with the way technology has been, we’re losing that element of social skills. So, just seeing youth interact amongst themselves and really empower each other here is priceless.”
Mark the calendars: Sept. 12 is HERENCIA’s “Summer Concert at Dos Lagos” in Corona. Dubbed a night of “music, pride, and heritage,” it’s an opportunity to see how students have advanced and appreciate their talents.
“Every ticket that is sold to the summer concert means that people support the academy,” Serrano said. “Which helps us continue providing these services and keeping our doors open.”
Overall, Serrano feels a sense of pride and accomplishment having been with the organization since its inception. There have been challenges (learning how to fundraise) and victories (watching her own children thrive in the program and seeing the nonprofit take off).
Mostly, she’s thrilled to have witnessed many of the youth “bloom.”
“So many students grew into their confidence,” she said. “And it’s not an easy thing to go on stage so young and perform and sing. And even now… I was watching some of them being interviewed by Telemundo at an event in Sacramento. Just listening to them, and how they vocalized themselves and talked in front of the camera, is remarkable. We’re really watching them shine.”
Learn more at herenciamariachiacademy.com.
This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July, 2026.
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