Maricopa Students Enjoy Surprise Midday Norteño Concert

This unique initiative aimed to enhance student engagement at A+ Charter School in Maricopa. On February 13, 2025, the school hosted a live concert featuring the Phoenix-based band Primer Elexion, offering students an unconventional educational experience.

Primer Elexion, which originated in Sonora, Mexico, comprises two acoustic guitars, a bass, and a trombone. Currently touring the state, they are performing free concerts to expand their reach and visibility.

Daniel Mayo, the school’s digital media teacher, spearheaded this event. “I wanted to do something different for the kids. I wanted to show them that we can have a good time at school,” he explained. Beyond his teaching role, Mayo is an accomplished audio engineer at The Salt Mine Studio, where he collaborates with various artists.

The concert provided more than just entertainment. A student photography team documented the event, utilizing a drone to capture aerial views of the performance and audience interaction.

Mayo emphasized the importance of exposing students to diverse career paths. “Not everybody is looking to go to college. Some are looking for a trade,” he stated. This philosophy underpinned the concert’s educational aspect.

The event kicked off with a DJ spinning Top 40 hits while students enjoyed lunch and a soundcheck. Primer Elexion’s growing popularity is evident; they are set to perform during a Suns halftime show in March and have amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media platforms.

Student musicians were inspired by the band’s performance. Samiya Holmes, a 10th grader and piano student, remarked, “I’m learning the sounds that different instruments make and how they go together.” Meanwhile, fellow student Serenity Crawford, who recently started learning guitar, appreciated the opportunity for up-close musical experiences at school.

This concert, the school’s first of its kind, is part of a broader commitment to innovative teaching methods. In 2023, A+ Charter invited a youth motivational speaker to inspire students further.

Teacher Shianne Holman noted the event’s significance: “Not a lot of schools offer something like this. I’m pretty proud of that.” Paraprofessional Danielle Zemski added, “This is teaching kids to follow your dreams.” She observed that many students are passionate about music, echoing the enthusiasm of Primer Elexion.

Given the success of this event, Mayo is eager to establish it as a recurring tradition, stating, “I would love that,” as the music filled the air.