51����

BROWNSVILLE, April 20th – The inaugural TSC Mariachi Festival, hosted by 51����, attracted over 600 visitors and showcased the talents of more than 500 students and performers from around Texas. The festival unfolded over two exhilarating days filled with workshops, competitions, and performances at TSC’s Jacob Brown Auditorium and Performing Arts Center, resonating with the vibrant sounds of mariachi music across the campus.��

Middle and high school students participated in various competitions, with Mariachi Oro from McAllen High School winning the grand champion group performance award. Individual accolades for best vocal performances went to Matteo Lopez of IDEA Pharr and Lea Garcia of McAllen High School.��

A diverse array of workshops offered students the opportunity to learn from accomplished musicians, including TSC Music Program Director and Mariachi Escorpion Director Avigai Gonzalez, Karina Vela of Mariachi Margarita, 51���� Mariachi Escorpion, and UTRGV Mariachi Aztlan. These sessions provided invaluable mentorship and skill enhancement tailored to the student’s chosen instruments.��

The festival concluded on Saturday with a highlight concert featuring Embajadores Del Mariachi Sol De Mexico de Jose Hernandez. In a special showcase, the Festival Grand Champion, Mariachi Oro from McAllen High School, had the distinguished opportunity to open for the renowned mariachi group.������

Avigai Gonzalez, the festival’s principal organizer, expressed her profound gratitude and joy over the event’s success. “Our inaugural 51���� Mariachi Festival was a resounding success, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who attended, supported, and believed in our vision,” Gonzalez stated. “This weekend was truly amazing, demonstrating how mariachi music can enrich our children and unite a community.”��

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��TSC Mariachi Festival Competition Winners

Vocal Competition:

Middle School Category��

1st Place
Matteo Lopez – IDEA Pharr��

2nd Place��
Karol Ramirez – Roma Middle School��

3rd Place��
Yareli Cano – Fossum Middle School

High School Category��

1st Place��
Lea Garcia – McAllen High School��

2nd Place
Dante Ramos – La Joya High School��

3rd Place��
Michelle A. Meraz – Rio Grande City High School��

MARIACHI PERFORMANCE:��

Middle School Category��

1st Place����
Mariachi Escandon – Roma Middle School����

2nd Place����
Mariachi Juvenil Santander – Ramiro Barrera Middle School����

3rd Place��
Mariachi Leon – IDEA Pharr Middle School����

5A High School JV Category��

1st Place��
Mariachi Los Lobos JV – La Joya Palmview High School��

2nd Place��
Mariachi Sol de Oro JV – Valley View High School����

3rd Place��
Mariachi Azteca JV – James Nikki Rowe High School����

5A Varsity Category��

1st Place����
Mariachi Oro – McAllen High School����

2nd Place��
Mariachi Los Lobos – La Joya Palmview High School����

3rd Place��
Mariachi Azteca – James Nikki Rowe High School��������

6A JV Category����

1st Place
Mariachi Halcón Dorado JV – Los Fresnos High School��

2nd Place����
Mariachi Dorado JV – Edinburg North High School��

3rd Place����
Mariachi Nuevo Cascabel – San Marcos High School����

6A Varsity Category��

1st Place��
Mariachi Primer Orgullo – Edinburg High School����

2nd Place����
Mariachi Los Coyotes – La Joya High School����

��3rd Place��
Mariachi Oro – Edinburg North High School����

��Grand Champion��
Mariachi Oro – McAllen High School��