Continuing Our Rich Legacy
Isabel “Belle” Ortiz known as the “Mother of Mariachi Music Education,” has influenced generations of students and elevated mariachi and ballet folklórico school-based programs. The founder of mariachi education was both a former educator and administrator in San Antonio ISD and alumna of Lanier High School. The Belle Ortiz Legacy Fund was created to ensure these powerful cultural art forms flourish in SAISD for years to come.
Her family, friends, and mariachi and ballet folklórico aficionados are continuing her legacy through four initiatives listed below.
Join us in Continuing the Legacy
With the rich legacy of mariachi education in SAISD, we are working to continue and strengthen programs that make SAISD the epicenter of youth mariachi education. You have the power to make a big impact on today’s SAISD students. Together, we are one step closer to our collective vision.
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
With their contribution to ballet folklórico at Harris Middle School, more students have access.
Supporting Belle Ortiz Memorial Scholarships for mariachi and ballet folklórico students, thereby making higher education more achievable.
Recent Donors
Campanas de America
JoAnn Boone
Adelfa Reyna
Amber Hausenfluck
Beth Guastella
Bobbigai Tribble
Cleo Aufderhaar
Hope Andrade
Irma Garcia-Restaino
Janet & Rob Holliday & The CE Group, Inc.
Jorge Herrera
Katie Reynolds
Lasso Alumni Association
Lukin T Gilliland Jr.
Lynn Bradshaw
Mary Patino
Meza Family
Olive Anne Kleberg
Ortiz & San Miguel Families
Rosette Davila
Roxanne Trinidad
Sid L. Harle
Silver Eagle Distributors
Texas Senate Democratic Caucus
Theresa Mazuca Garcia
Blakely Fernandez
David Silva
Gerald Lee
Jose/Marissa Alvarado
Tiffany O’Neill
Donate online through the form or pay by check
Be sure to note "Belle Ortiz" on the memo line
Mail donations by check to:
SAISD Foundation
2411 San Pedro
San Antonio, TX 78212
This fund aims to honor Ortiz’s legacy by investing in the programs she was instrumental in creating. Funding elevates opportunities for students and school programs and reach their full potential.
Ortiz had a passion to support students and their journey to completing higher education. Her passion is honored through scholarships available to SAISD students.
Continuing education opportunities and competition fees can add up quickly. By giving to the Belle Ortiz Legacy Fund these obstacles no longer prevent students from gaining the most out of their music education.
As each program develops quality musicians and dancers, the Belle Ortiz Legacy Fund works meet the students where their talents take them. Whether local or national, fees for competitions are covered at no cost to participating students or their families.
Students’ access to quality instruments make a difference in how they can improve their skills as musicians. While working toward our vision of growth in student interest in mariachi programming at schools, together we can ensure each group has access to the equipment needed for every student who wants to participate at no cost to them or their families.
As these art forms regain popularity in our schools, more uniforms are needed to ensure every student can participate without an additional cost to their families. High-quality and culturally-relevant attire also emphasize our commitment to students in their efforts to practice each art to their full potential.
See the Work in Action
