What is Mariachi Sana Sana and how did it come to be?
Mariachi Sana Sana began as a concept when Stephanie Horton and I sought to apply to Musicians On Call as a mariachi group in order to perform for hospital patients. Inspired by Stephanie’s personal experience battling cancer, we wanted to bring comfort through music. However, the program required soloists or duos, making a full mariachi group unfeasible. Determined to pursue our vision, we founded Mariachi Sana Sana, named after the beloved Mexican nursery rhyme, to perform at nursing homes and memory care facilities.
My research in noninvasive multisensory therapies for early-onset dementia patients further inspired the mission of Mariachi Sana Sana. What started with just 3 members has grown into a group of 12 high school and college students united by a common goal: to harness the power of music and memory for the Houston community.
Traditional music therapy often focuses on Western classical music, which may not be culturally relevant or accessible to Hispanic/Latino communities. By performing mariachi, the music that many of the patients in our Houston community grew up with, we provide a culturally meaningful and enriching experience that deeply resonates.
Mariachi Sana Sana’s repertoire includes both Spanish and English songs, allowing everyone to share in the joy of music. We are in the process of registering as a nonprofit organization to continue supporting musicians and expanding our mission to bring music therapy to underserved communities throughout Houston.
What initially inspired you to grapple with dementia?
Mariachi Sana Sana was founded when Stephanie and I, both prehealth students at the University of Houston, sought volunteer opportunities to give back to our community. Passionate about music and science, we aimed to find an intersection between the two.
Further inspiration came from my research with Brain Haven, where I develop clinically validated, noninvasive protocols for early-onset dementia patients using auditory and olfactory stimulation. Music has the profound ability to evoke memories, as beautifully depicted in Disney’s Coco, a film that resonates with audiences worldwide. We hope to create more cherished moments of remembrance, like those seen with Mama Coco, for people throughout Houston.
How has working on dementia-related art changed you?
Working with dementia patients has deepened our understanding of both the power of music and the realities of aging. Seeing firsthand how mariachi music sparks an emotional connection has reinforced my belief in the therapeutic potential of culturally relevant music.
As an artist, this experience has shifted my perspective; music is not just a performance but a tool for healing. Many of our musicians, especially those who are also on the prehealth track, have gained a new appreciation for the intersection of art and science, recognizing how our work directly benefits patients.
This project also fits into my broader artistic vision of using music as a bridge between culture and science. Mariachi Sana Sana has shown me that art is not just for entertainment but can be a powerful force for social good and human connection.
How is Mariachi Sana Sana received? Describe the experience.
When we walk in, instruments in hand, dressed in traditional black mariachi attire, all eyes are on us, open wide with curiosity and anticipation for the music to come. We open with El Son de la Negra, an iconic Jalisco-style song, before alternating between fast and slow melodies. Our setlist features beloved mariachi classics, such as Cielito Lindo, La Bamba, Stand By Me, and El Mariachi Loco. As we play, guests begin clapping, tapping their feet to the rhythm, singing along and dancing, some with the help of caregivers. The energy in the room is infectious. And without fail, as our performance comes to an end, we are met with cheers, requests for just one more song, and heartfelt invitations to return.
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