Feb. 6, 2024

What:
SAISD to dedicate The Belle Ortiz Music Building at Lanier High School
Ceremony begins at the Alumni Center, followed by an unveiling of signage at The Belle Ortiz Music Building

Who:
Elected officials
SAISD Trustees
SAISD Superintendent
SAISD Foundation
Lanier High School Principal
Family members of Belle Ortiz
Distinguished guests of the Belle Ortiz family
Musical performances

When:
Feb. 8 (Thurs), 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:
Lanier High School, 1514 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd., 78207

The name of the legendary Belle Ortiz will forever grace the music building at Lanier High School. San Antonio ISD, along with family, friends, and distinguished guests will gather for a dedication ceremony heralding the newly named Belle Ortiz Music Building on Feb. 8.

The evening will feature performances by the Lanier Mariachi Orgullo de San Antonio and the SAISD All-Star Mariachi. Ortiz was also the co-founder of Mariachi Campanas de America, and the group will provide a special performance. 

The SAISD Board of Trustees approved the renaming of the building at its Oct. 16, 2023 meeting. Ortiz passed away on July 12, 2023, surrounded by her family. In the days leading up to her passing, she was serenaded by mariachi musicians, honoring her as the Mother of Mariachi Music Education.

Ortiz introduced mariachi curriculum into public schools – first in SAISD. Ortiz pioneered the nation’s first high school ballet folklorico program at Lanier High School and introduced the first high school mariachi program at Jefferson High School. The genre spread across the city, state, and eventually the nation.