(KRON) -- The beautiful strings of the guitars, the brassy echo of the trumpet, and the bold voices of a mariachi group are a sound known around the world as a symbol of Mexican culture. Mariachi music has deep ties in 18th century Mexico, and in Santa Rosa, the kids of the Luther Burbank Mariachi band are keeping that culture alive decades later. Matthew Isais Bocker, program director and instructor for the group, provides all materials and instruments for the participating students through grants and donations. Photo by KRON4 “It really shows me that free education and music education in general really breaks down the equity and access barriers that we're seeing in public schools,” Bocker said. The band is made up of kids ranging in age from eight all the way to 18. The band requires a high level of dedication, with members balancing a schedule of school nights and weekend concerts. Sixth grader Yaritza Nuñez acknowledged feeling nervous before performances. “Well, I do get scared sometimes, but I like I mostly think I can do this. I practice it well and I just do it,” Nuñez said. Photo by KRON4 The traditional outfits worn by the group carry a deep cultural significance. Nuñez explained that each of the beads on the traditional attire represents the 32 states of Mexico. Nuñez and fellow band member Aurora Martinez Hernandez emphasized how the music has shaped their life. “It just takes such a big part in my life. It's so important for me.” Nuñez said. “I honestly think I'm way happier... mariachi has introduced so much joy into my life,” Martinez Hernandez said. For other performers, the band serves as a connection to family traditions. Band member David Mendoza shared how performance connects to his identity and family relationships. “It really changed my life... every time that I go to concerts or play, I see my parents in the stands and they're always really, really proud, really happy,” David said. Photo by KRON4 For band member Miguel Angel Ramirez, being part of a mariachi group is a way for him to show his roots. "Every time I play music, I'm able to show people that like magnificence of culture and everything, and I'm able to start that with just two notes," said Ramirez. Photo by KRON4 You can watch our full report on the Luther Burbank Mariachi Band in our Hispanic Heritage Month Special, now streaming on KRON4+. KRON4+ is available for download on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and Samsung TV. All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before being published. ...read more read less