When Belle Ortiz (Class of 1971), known as the Godmother of Mariachi, returned to Our Lady of the Lake University over two decades ago, she contributed a gift that has since become a tradition.
Belle had a passion for educating young people on their culture and traditions. In 1970, she started the first high school mariachi program at Jefferson High School and after graduating from OLLU with a B.A. in Performance and Music Education, she extended her talents to other west side high schools, including her alma mater Lanier. Now, over 2,500 school districts, colleges and universities throughout the world offer their students mariachi education.
In 1978, she and co-founder Juan Ortiz renamed their mariachi group to Campanas de America. It was an act of love. Their name “Campanas” being a translation of Belle’s name. They married four years later.
Over twenty years ago, Belle brought the Campanas de America Valentine’s Day serenata to OLLU to help raise funds for scholarships. That tradition continues.
This year, Campanas de America will perform their Valentine’s Day Serenata on Saturday, February 7 at Thiry Auditorium. Tickets range from $25 to $35. Keeping it affordable so that people of all ages can share in Belle’s passion and commitment to education.
You can purchase your ticket online through this link while they still last. Bring all your loved ones to this beautiful performance.