Students, parents, and members of the broader school community are coming together to honor the memory of Ramon Nino, the long-serving mariachi director at North Side High School in Fort Worth, who passed away last week. In the wake of his death, students chose to express their grief through the very medium he spent decades nurturing , music. The outpouring of remembrance reflects the profound impact Nino had on the lives of young musicians throughout his career, with many crediting him as a dedicated educator who gave generously of his time and passion to the art of mariachi.
Nino’s commitment to his students spanned decades, during which he cultivated a thriving mariachi program at North Side High School and shaped the musical identities of countless young people in the Fort Worth area. His passing has left a significant void within the school community, prompting heartfelt tributes from both current students and those whose lives he touched in years prior.
The decision by students to honor him through performance speaks to the culture of musical dedication that Nino worked tirelessly to build. Rather than simply mourning his absence, the student body turned to the traditions he taught them as a means of celebrating his legacy and keeping his memory alive through the art form he loved.
