Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Young Mariachi Star Finds Her Voice
Wednesday September 18, 2024
At just seven years old, Alessandra Gutierrez has accomplished a lot in her short life. She recently won the 2024 National Mariachi Youth Vocalist Competition and impressed millions of viewers on TikTok with her incredible stage presence. Yet, for Alessandra, it’s not just about being successful. It’s about discovering the joy of singing.
It all began during a family trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, last summer. Her father, Miguel Gutierrez, made a bet for Alessandra to sing with the mariachi playing in the restaurant where they were eating.
“There was no hesitation,” said Miguel Gutierrez. “She stood on a chair in a restaurant and commanded the room.”
Since that day, Alessandra has been making her mark in the mariachi world, even competing in a national mariachi vocalist competition.
Alessandra won the 2024 National Mariachi Youth Vocalist Competition in the elementary division. The competition was held in Houston, Texas.
Alessandra’s love for singing is closely tied to her cultural heritage. Her parents enrolled her in the dual immersion program at Voorhies Elementary School in the Bakersfield City School District to ensure she would grow up fluent in both English and Spanish. This decision has helped Alessandra stay connected to her roots, which has helped her learn and understand the mariachi lyrics while still excelling academically.
“It was important for us that she kept the language of her grandparents,” said Denise Gutierrez, Alessandra’s mother, who also teaches second grade at Voorhies.
In addition to her academic success, Alessandra’s school has embraced her talent. Last year, she performed for her peers during Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year, she will do so again, singing the Mexican national anthem as part of the school’s festivities.
“Her confidence has grown so much, and singing has helped her overall development in school,” her mom said. “She’s not afraid to speak up and share her voice.”
Beyond school performances, Alessandra has gained a substantial online following. With 38,000 TikTok followers and millions of views, she’s been able to share her love for mariachi music with a broader audience, inspiring others with her powerful voice and cultural pride.
In addition to her singing activities, Alessandra is already involved in various artistic pursuits. This past summer, she participated in a youth theater production of The Little Mermaid, where she played Chef Louis.
Yet, for Alessandra, mariachi remains not just an activity, but her passion. As she continues to balance her schoolwork, soccer, piano lessons, and singing, she is preparing for her next big performance at the Kern County Fair, where she will sing alongside Mariachi Aguilas.
When asked what advice she has for others who want to get on stage and sing, Alessandra offered a simple message.
“Stand up for yourself and be brave. Once you start singing, you get the wiggles out and then you’re free,” she said.
By Jennifer Bryan
Jennifer Bryan joined Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2021 as a Communications Specialist. As a creative and motivated marketing communications specialist, she has a special knack for storytelling and content creation. Born and raised in Kern County, Jennifer has worked in major industries within the region such as agriculture and oil and gas before she made the transition to education.