[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 130 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF LOS CHANGUITOS FEOS DE TUCSON

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                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize an Arizona youth 
mariachi group, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary.
  Established in Tucson in 1964 by a Catholic priest to learn mariachi 
music as a means to keep parish youth occupied over the summer, Los 
Changuitos Feos de Tucson has grown to be a cultural icon--not only in 
the Southwest, but all over the world. The group was the first of its 
kind and has become a youth mariachi model for dozens of similar groups 
created since.
  In 1971, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson incorporated as a secular 
nonprofit organization with a community board of directors.
  Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson has had the distinguished honor of 
performing at three presidential inaugurations and has also accompanied 
many internationally known celebrities and entertainers. The Changuitos 
have recorded five albums and have had the privilege to play on network 
television.
  Young Latino musicians in middle and high school dedicate themselves 
to perfecting their talent under the guidance of skilled music teachers 
to learn the intricacies of the mariachi musical form, a type of music 
referred to as a world cultural treasure by UNESCO.
  While they hone their musical skills and provide entertainment to the 
larger community, mariachi performers with Los Changuitos Feos de 
Tucson are eligible for college scholarships to the school of their 
choice. More than $480,000 in scholarships has been disbursed to former 
Changuitos who are pursuing a post-secondary degree to this day. Often 
former members of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson are the first in their 
family to receive a college degree.
  Former Changuitos who have sought careers in the music industry have 
won Grammy Awards, while others have used the scholarships to become 
physicians, lawyers, engineers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and 
community leaders.
  Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson is the quintessential example of the 
impact discipline and dedication could have on deepening cultural 
appreciation by perfecting local talent, while encouraging leadership 
growth and youth empowerment through community service.
  And finally, we must acknowledge the dedicated parents of the 
Changuitos who support their childrens' efforts. Without them, Los 
Changuitos Feos de Tucson could never have become the respected and 
revered cultural and musical icon that it is today.
  Congratulations and best wishes to Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson as 
we join them to celebrate on August 23, 2014 for its 50th Anniversary 
with a reunion and concert. I thank this youth organization for their 
longstanding tradition of perseverance and setting an example to all 
Tucson youth.

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