Clyde Guerra never planned to become an award-winning mariachi director. His early musical journey began at age nine with a guitar class called "Las Guitarritas," leading to his first vocal competition win at a local livestock show. Surrounded by the sounds of Linda Ronstadt and Vicente Fernández in his grandmother's home, young Clyde was steered toward violin by a prescient voice teacher who told him it would give him better opportunities to showcase his vocal abilities.
Throughout our conversation, Clyde reveals the fascinating twists in his path – from his years as a standout performer in Roma High School's prestigious mariachi program to juggling pre-med and music studies at UTRGV. Despite always believing he would become a doctor, he ultimately followed his heart, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in violin performance. When faced with post-graduation uncertainty during the pandemic, he took a chance on education – promising during his interview at Edinburg High School that despite his lack of teaching experience, he would build a successful program.
Just four years later, Clyde has transformed EHS's struggling mariachi program into state champions, literally standing outside band rooms recruiting reluctant students who now couldn't imagine their lives without mariachi. Beyond his educational success, he shares behind-the-scenes stories of competing on La Voz Mexico and his unexpected opportunity to perform with Peso Pluma at the VMAs – a manifestation story that demonstrates the unpredictable nature of musical careers.
What makes Clyde's story particularly compelling is his evolution from focusing solely on personal achievement to finding fulfillment in student development. He candidly discusses the challenges of adapting teaching methods to each unique environment and the profound satisfaction of seeing students discover their musical potential. Whether you're a music educator, performer, or student considering a music career, Clyde's journey offers valuable insights about persistence, passion, and the unexpected places a musical life might lead.