Midland College Appoints Francisco Carreón to Lead New Mariachi ProgramFebruary 27, 2026

Midland College announces the launch of its new Mariachi Program and the appointment of Francisco Carreón as director, expanding cultural arts education and performance opportunities in West Texas.

A native of Odessa, Carreón has been immersed in mariachi music since the age of 12 and brings both professional performance experience and classroom leadership to the role. As director, he will lead the development of a premier performing ensemble while building a strong academic foundation for students interested in music study.

The Midland College Mariachi Program is designed to provide students with a high-quality, authentic experience rooted in tradition, excellence, and community engagement. Participants will receive intensive ensemble training, instruction in stylistic interpretation, development of armonía and melodía techniques, stage presence coaching, and preparation for professional-level performance. The ensemble will also perform throughout the Permian Basin, strengthening community connection and visibility.

Mariachi, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, combines storytelling, celebration, faith, family, and cultural pride. In the Permian Basin, it reflects generations of heritage and serves as a powerful symbol of identity.

“For our students, mariachi is a way to connect with who they are and where they come from,” said Carreón. “It builds discipline, musicianship, and confidence, but it also builds pride. When students see their culture represented and valued on a college campus, it changes how they see themselves and their future.”

Carreón’s experience spans performance and education. He has performed and conducted workshops as a guest artist and as a member of Mariachi Aztlán at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, as well as with Mariachi Los Arrieros del Valle and Mariachi Los Toros. Throughout his career, he has performed across Texas and the United States and internationally in Mexico, accompanying renowned artists including Pablo Montero, Pedro Fernández, Amanda Miguel, Paquita la del Barrio, and Aida Cuevas.

He previously served as a full-time mariachi educator for Ector County ISD and San Angelo ISD and has led regional workshops and concerts through the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland, where he continues to serve as Mariachi Program Coordinator.

The launch of the Mariachi Program reflects Midland College’s commitment to expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities that reflect the region it serves. The program also creates pathways for students to transfer to four-year music programs or pursue careers in performance, education, and arts administration, while enriching cultural literacy for all students.

“At Midland College, our core values center on putting students at the heart of everything we do,” said Frank De La O, Vice President of Instruction. “The Mariachi Program reflects our commitment to student success, access, and community. By offering programs that connect to our region’s heritage while maintaining high academic standards, we create environments where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve their goals.”

With Carreón’s leadership, the Midland College Mariachi Program is positioned to become a signature ensemble for campus events, regional celebrations, recruitment initiatives, and community partnerships across the Permian Basin, further strengthening the college’s role as a cultural and educational anchor in West Texas.