HOUSTON — Two Houston-area high school bands accidentally crossed paths at a Whataburger after facing each other and other schools in a competition. What followed? An impromptu concert right there in the restaurant. Their video has gone viral, with over 2 million views and counting.
It was a spontaneous moment that’s making the rounds on social media. And it all unfolded inside a Whataburger in Refugio, Texas. Sam Houston High School in HISD and Klein Collins High School joined forces to play the song “El Son de la Negra.”
A spirited mariachi tune brought everyone to their feet.
“I was playing trumpet it was full. Kids some standing on tables it was so fun,” said Zayden Longoria.
Both schools had attended a UIL competition in Robstown on Saturday. They were headed to dinner separately.
“The idea was we were going to eat at another restaurant, but they had a long wait time,” said Daniel Perez the Director of Sam Houston High School Mariachi.
After discovering their original dinner plans didn’t work out. The two groups found themselves at the same Whataburger in Refugio. A small town between Robstown and Victoria.
“We were like who is this school?” said Erin Lara the Director of Sam Houston High School Mariachi.
“The faces we get when we get off as a large group. It’s the whole school,” said Daisy Zambrano said Mariachi Director at Sam Houston High School.
The coincidence was too good to pass up.
“Wanted to share with the wonderful staff at Whataburger that took care of us. They serve with smiles we wanted to pay them back that’s exactly what happened” said Carlos Lara the Director of Klein Collins High School.
After their meal, the students took to the dining area, serenading the staff and fellow patrons with a stunning mariachi performance.
“It felt like we were family,” said Lara.
Several students in these two bands aren’t of Hispanic descent, but they fully embraced the experience. They’re proud to share their talent and even prouder to see how it has resonated with people around the world online.
“I thought it was beautiful for people interpreted the way they did,” said student Isak Matoeich, an 11th grader.
Both mariachi bands are now preparing for the state competition in February. The schools say they’re grateful for the attention and welcome any donations to help cover costs for their mariachi suits and travel expenses. Click here or here to donate.