From left to right: Juan Longoria (Director Los Fresnos) Luis Hernandez, Genaro Cruz, Jorge Hernandez, Ayovi Villarreal, Juan Rodriguez, Hernan Hernandez, Pablo Trejo, Eduardo Hernandez , Director (PSJA Early College High School) Minnie Villescas, Oscar Lara
Bottom Kneeling Left to right: Chelsea Campos, Genesis Rincones, Ashley Almanza, Ben Ochoa
SAN ANTONIO, TX, MARCH 5, 2025… Students from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in Pharr, Texas, and the Los Fresnos High School Conjunto Program were invited to attend a special performance by Los Tigres Del Norte, accordion music icons and one of the most influential groups in Regional Mexican music, on February 7, 2025, in San Antonio.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is part of the KHS America Alianza Académica initiative, a program designed to support music education in Latino music styles such as Mariachi, Conjunto, and Norteño in schools across the United States. KHS America, the U.S. home of Hohner accordions and harmonicas, H. Jimenez string instruments, Jupiter wind instruments, Hercules stands, and other well-respected brands believes that music is an essential part of life, and is striving to bridge the gap between classrooms, communities and the broader music industry through the efforts of this new program.
“Programs like this are vital to keeping these traditions alive and inspiring the next generation of artists,” said Gilbert Reyes, HOHNER Brand Manager at KHS America. “We are thrilled to partner with Los Tigres to offer these students the chance to connect directly with some of the most iconic figures in Latino music. When we told them about this new program, they immediately wanted to contribute and didn’t hesitate to offer this opportunity.”
Accompanied by their directors, the students not only experienced the concert but also had the rare opportunity to meet Los Tigres Del Norte backstage—an encounter with a group that has defined and elevated the corridos and Norteño genres for decades. Known for their storytelling through music, addressing social issues and cultural identity, the band’s legacy continues to shape generations of musicians.
For more information about the KHS America Academic Alliance and Alianza Académica initiative, please visit https://academicalliance.com/ or follow HOHNER via on Instagram at Hohner Accordions and Facebook at Hohner Accordions.