On February 4th, The Texas Association of Mariachi Educators held their State Champion  Conference in South San Antonio High School in San Antonio, Texas.  The State Mariachi Competition hosted a total of thirty-eight schools from both middle and high school student mariachi groups and several mariachi adjudicators.  The judges for the 2A, 3A, 4A Middle School groups were Francisco Loera from McAllen, TX, Miguel Guzman from San Antonio, TX, Dr. Noe Sanchez from Roma, TX, Gabriel Garcia from Crystal City, TX, and Antonio Briseño from Brownsville, TX.  The judges for the 5A and 6A High School mariachi groups were Dr. Jeff Nevin from San Diego, CA, Richard Mata from Los Angeles, CA, Mark Fogelquist from Chula Vista, CA, Cirilo Campos from San Antonio, TX, and Robert Martinez from Chicago, IL.  

The State Mariachi Competition drew many spectators and with good reason.  Many of the competing mariachi schools spend endless and tireless hours perfecting their performance.  A variety of groups in both middle and high school divisions demonstrated near perfect performances with superb musicianship in both vocal and instrumental technical ability.  Several groups also delivered a very engaging performance filled with choreography and showmanship. Throughout the morning and afternoon many spectators which included family, students, teachers and administrators cheered on their respective schools with great pride.  It was truly an event filled with tradition and admiration for the art form of mariachi music. We would like to congratulate the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators for their continued support and work for mariachi education and all participating mariachi educators and stakeholders that support their mariachi students throughout their musical journey.