Celebrating Mariachi in Music Class: Take Five with Phillip Olazaba

Take Five is a series that highlights members of the CPS community who are going above and beyond for our students. All throughout the 2024–25 school year, we will be spotlighting our amazing CPS teachers! If you know a teacher who is making a difference, nominate them to be featured here.

Meet Mr. Phillip Olazaba, a music teacher at Cooper Dual Language Academy! Mr. Olazaba, who has been at Cooper for 14 years, is known for being a caring teacher who has high expectations while still making learning fun.

Mr. Olazaba has been passionate about music and music education for most of his life; when he was a student himself, he sought out every opportunity his school offered to play music. Now as a teacher, he loves that music is a part of his life every single day, and that he can share this love with students. He is especially passionate about mariachi music and how it can help students connect with their cultural heritage.

Above all, Mr. Olazaba strives to create a classroom that’s open, inclusive, student-centered, and truly part of the community. Learn more about him and his incredible work below!

Why is it so important for students to have access to music education?

There are so many reasons! I think everyone should have the opportunity of being creative, whether that’s with a pencil and paper or a trumpet and guitar. Music is an art that challenges us in every aspect, from our minds to our motor skills. Music requires discipline and it changes us, and it does all of that without even trying! I think all kids should get to experience that.

Can you tell us more about your passion for mariachi music?

I was often surrounded by mariachi music growing up, and once I started developing my understanding of music theory and technique, I realized that I could totally play it. My high school also offered mariachi ensembles, and I started to immerse myself in it. This helped me have really fruitful conversations with my elders about what mariachi music meant to them. I've taken on those feelings for myself, and it feels really meaningful to come together and play this music and share these stories with my students.

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for new music teachers?

You have one of the coolest and most important jobs. What you’re doing matters, and I encourage you to share what’s happening in your classroom with your school community. There’s not a lot of people who do what we do, and I think we should talk about it all the time. There is no bad idea, and you're always working on something that is going to be very valuable for your students. Keep it up!

What are your biggest goals for the end of the year?

I am currently partnering with the Old Town School of Folk Music to bring together multiple mariachi ensembles and put together a showcase! And within my classroom, we’re preparing for as many end-of-year performances as possible so that my students can really show the community all that they’ve been working on.

What do you like to do when you’re not teaching?

If I’m not at school I’m probably practicing one of my instruments. Right now, it’s violin! I also love playing mariachi, and I’m a big basketball fan.