Briar Cliff University’s Mariachi Las Cimas de Briar Cliff Receives Grant

Mariachi Las Cimas de Briar Cliff has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Kind World Foundation to further its mission of celebrating and advancing the art of Mariachi in the Siouxland region. The funds will support the purchase of new instruments, instructor development, and the hosting of future festivals.

“This grant will enable us to grow the program and share the richness of Mariachi music with even more people,” said Dr. Brian Cook, Assistant Professor of Music and Founder of Mariachi Las Cimas. “We’re excited to expand access to music and education to the community.”

Additionally, the university’s Mariachi Academy received a $10,000 grant from the Gilchrist Foundation, $8,000 from Unity in Action, and raised $5,000 during its fall donation drive thanks to the generosity of community supporters. These combined resources will help Briar Cliff continue to establish itself as the home of collegiate Mariachi in the Siouxland community.

Looking ahead, the program is actively recruiting talented Mariachi musicians to join Briar Cliff for the 2025-2026 academic year. The band, directed by Miguel Grima, is poised to build on its reputation as an inspiring and dynamic ensemble.

For more information about the Mariachi program or how to support Briar Cliff University’s music efforts, please contact Dr. Brian Cook at brian.cook@briarcliff.edu or (712) 279-5548.