LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — You can’t talk about Hispanic Heritage Month and not mention mariachi, and for one group of CCSD middle schoolers, it’s a really big deal.

Johnny Gonzalez, the mariachi director at KO Knudson Academy of the Arts, says the school started its mariachi program in 2005 with about 80 students.

It has grown to more than 300.

“We teach the kids to play mariachi music, but we say that’s just a vehicle towards sending a bigger message, which is teaching them how to work hard, teamwork and ultimately how to grow up and be a productive member of society,” he said.

He says mariachi is all about heritage, culture and tradition.

“I don’t know how to explain it other than that,” he said.

It’s that heritage, culture and tradition that has his students excited.

“It’s a part of my

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