A young musician tunes his guitarrón with the help of a friend. This special type of guitar plays low notes. It is used mostly in mariachi music.

Her mother was surprised at Lizzette’s interest in mariachi. Lucila Ruiz moved to Houston 37 years ago from Mexico City. “When she used to listen to mariachi music in her room, I told her: ‘[Turn] it off. We’re from here now,’” says Ms. Ruiz. “But I could see she really felt it in her heart, and so I’m proud of her.”

When Jorge Perez first started to play mariachi, he says, “I had to learn to like the music.” He puts on his felt hat and grabs his instrument. “My grandpa used to play the guitar and sing. When he found out I was playing in a mariachi band, it surprised him a lot.”

“Don’t ask me why, but when I’m playing, I feel a lot closer to my Mexican roots.”