The path to musical excellence rarely follows a straight line. For Eloy Garza, director of Roma High School's celebrated mariachi program, that journey weaves through personal struggles, unexpected opportunities, and the profound impact of mentorship that transformed a shy trumpet player into an award-winning educator.

Growing up in a household filled with music, Garza was surrounded by family traditions dating back to his great-grandfather. Yet his story isn't one of natural talent, but rather determination. "I was not the type that was very talented, but I work at it," he shares candidly, describing how he had to practice "twice or three times as much" as his more naturally gifted peers. This firsthand understanding of persistence would later become the cornerstone of his educational philosophy.

After graduating from Roma High School in 2000, Garza's path took a series of unexpected turns. From studying in Kingsville to transferring to UTPA, his life changed dramatically after meeting José Hernández of Sol de México. Beginning with transcription work and eventually touring professionally, Garza achieved his dream of performing with one of mariachi's most prestigious groups. Yet at the height of this success, he felt called back to education—a field he initially "hated with a passion."

What makes Garza's approach unique is his innovative educational system combining band discipline with mariachi tradition. By breaking down complex techniques into manageable steps, his students achieve professional-level excellence. The results speak for themselves: under his leadership since 2013, Roma's mariachi program has reached unprecedented heights, culminating in their upcoming induction into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars.

Now in his 20th year as an educator, Garza's focus is expanding beyond his own program to mentor other directors. His advice echoes the words José Hernández gave him: "If you're going to do it, do it well." For mariachi educators and students alike, Garza's journey offers powerful proof that sometimes our greatest contribution comes not just from following our dreams, but discovering where we're truly needed.