[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E721-E722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING BELLE ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2023

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of Belle 
Ortiz, who passed away on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Long known for her 
commitment to music education, Mrs. Ortiz was a trailblazer for the 
teaching of Mariachi music. She is survived by her husband Juan Ortiz, 
along with her 4 children, Annabelle Garcia, Roseanna Valenzuela, 
former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, and Rolando San Miguel.
  After graduating from what is now Our Lady of the Lake University 
with a degree in music education and performance, Mrs. Ortiz became an 
educator at a time when Texas schools were openly hostile to Hispanic 
culture. While teaching at Barkley Elementary School, Mrs. Ortiz was 
called before the school district's Board of Trustees for teaching 
children to sing in Spanish, then a prohibited practice in many San 
Antonio schools--but she could not be deterred.
  Utilizing her role as an educator, Mrs. Ortiz pushed for the creation 
of music education programs that promoted the unique Hispanic heritage 
of San Antonio. Foremost among her efforts was the creation of the 
first Mariachi education program in Texas at Lanier High School. Over 
the subsequent decades, Mrs. Ortiz would expand her Mariachi education 
efforts across Texas. At both high schools and universities, she 
touched the lives of thousands. Her actions cumulated when she and her 
husband founded the world-renowned 12-piece Mariachi ensemble, Campanas 
de America.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life of Belle Ortiz. 
Although I am saddened by her loss, I am confident that her impact on 
San Antonio and Mariachi will last for years to come. I thank Mrs. 
Ortiz for her never-ending

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passion for music and teaching. May God bless her and her loved ones.

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