Steve Alcala is a music educator and publisher from Fresno, California, with familial roots in Hanford. His journey into music was sparked by his father, a World War II veteran who played in a Mexican bugle corps. Although initially discouraged by a junior high band director, Steve’s passion for music endured, ultimately leading to a career spanning nearly 40 years in music education. His primary instrument is the trumpet, and he uses piano for composition and arrangement. Throughout his teaching career, Steve studied percussion and bass patterns to better support his students’ musical development.

In 1988–89, Steve founded the first high school mariachi program in Central California at Roosevelt High School. The program became a cultural bridge, connecting students to their heritage and actively involving families through performances and fundraisers. His students have gone on to perform with renowned artists and ensembles, making significant contributions to the music scenes of Los Angeles, San Diego, and beyond.

In addition to launching the mariachi program, Steve transformed Roosevelt High’s marimba band into the first Latin jazz ensemble of its kind to appear at major national festivals. He is credited with introducing Latin jazz to Fresno—a region with little prior exposure to Puerto Rican or Cuban musical traditions—broadening the cultural landscape through student performance. A defining milestone came in 1986, when the group performed at the New York Jazz Festival during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty. Steve’s work also led to collaborations with musical icons such as Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, underscoring the reach and cultural significance of his contributions to music education.

Beyond the classroom, Steve founded Rumba 32, the band that blends Afro-Latin beats and R&B to create a danceable, cross-cultural sound. Their 2019 album, Renovation, embodies his philosophy of merging rhythm and familiarity to engage diverse audiences. Throughout his career, Steve emphasized that music must connect with listeners intellectually and physically—through rhythm and dance.

Reflecting on his decades of work, Steve underscores that music education extends beyond academic instruction. His efforts have fostered lasting friendships among students, cultivated pride in cultural roots, and broadened musical appreciation throughout California’s Central Valley. His legacy lies not only in the accomplishments of his students, but in his lasting contribution to his community’s cultural and musical landscape.