FESTIBA Mariachi Festival
Greetings Friends!
We hope that you all had a wonderful winter break and are healthy and safe!!
The FESTIBA Mariachi Festival 2023 is right around the corner, March 3rd & 4th. We are posting the registration forms on the FESTIBA website: UTRGV FESTIBA 2022 | UTRGV. Please submit by February 25th at festiba@utrgv.edu.
We are proud and excited to introduce our special guests for FESTIBA 2023:
Maestro José Hernández, founder and director of Mariachi Sol de México and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles; recognized internationally as an innovative force behind mariachi music, both musically as well as in mariachi education.
Mariachi Sol de México, internationally recognized mariachi, renowned for their innovation and fusion of different styles of music, with a distinguished history of performances for five US Presidents, and tours throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Maestro Jorge Iván Velasco, internationally renowned harp player, Director of the Mariachi Universitario de la Universidad Veracruzana in Mexico.
Dr. Diana Seitz, Associate Professor of strings and violin at the UTRGV School of Music, College of Fine Arts, is recognized nationally and internationally as a pedagogue, soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician.
Josué “Eddy” López, professional mariachi performer and arranger, Director of Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy’s high school mariachi program.
Dr. Adolfo Estrada, professional mariachi performer and guitarist, Assistant Professor in the School of Music and Director of Latin Music Studies at Texas State University.
Charlie Borrego, eight-time Emmy Award winner, Video and Audio Engineer, TV Production, Musical Producer, professional installation and sound design.
The $45.00 registration fee per student includes the competition, masterclass, two mariachi arrangements, and one concert ticket. Vocal Competition registration is an additional $20.
Tickets to the competitions are $5 for spectators, individual Grand Concert tickets are $20. Directors will receive complimentary entrance to the events, and tickets to the concert.
All events take place at the UTRGV, Edinburg Campus, Performing Arts Complex Auditorium.
Warmest regards,
Dahlia & Francisco
- Clinicians
- Registration
- Schedule
- Competition, Showcase and Concert
- Nuestra Cultural Mariachi Festival in collaboration with FESTIBA 2023
FESTIBA 2023 will culminate with a mariachi conference with the fabulous
Mariachi Sol De México de José Hernandez.
We will be hosting a workshop, competition, and Grand Concert on
March 3rd and 4th, 2023.
Biography
Part of the romance of Mariachi music is that all things are possible. The humor, the spirit, and even the bittersweet, inspire us to a world where we live out our dreams. In that same way, much of the excitement of José Hernández’ Mariachi Sol de México is that all things mariachi are possible. While his family tree is rooted in five generations of Mariachi musicians that hail from La Sierra del Tigre region of Jalisco, Jóse built on that foundation to grow mariachi music in new territories, musical genres, and in the hearts of new audiences.
Unrivaled and uninhibited, the impact of José Hernández and his Sol de México® on mariachi and all music is undeniable. After forming Mariachi Sol de México in 1981, José’s charismatic arrangements and first class musical direction led the group to instant and lasting success: playing in sold out halls from Madison Square Garden to Beijing, China and Pyongyang, North Korea.
Known as the worlds premiere Mariachi group – they gained the attention of the White House and have been invited to play for 5 US Presidents from Ronald Reagan to George W. Bush. From the beginning, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández made their mark through innovation and fusion of different styles of music.
Their ability to blend genres seamlessly is evidenced in their cohesive collaboration with symphonies throughout the United States. Maestro Hernández’s classical arrangements have led to them share the stage with symphony orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Santa Rosa Symphony, San Francisco Symphony and Jalisco Symphony. This magic was captured in their 25th anniversary symphonic album, which led to the first ever Mariachi Symphony Grammy nomination!
Indeed, the theatrical aspect of Sol de México’s performances has been an attraction to Hollywood for soundtracks, where they have provided music since the 1980’s. Their work can be heard in films such as Rango, Glory Road, Sea Biscuit , Don Juan de Marco ,and many more. The versatility of Sol de Mexico to expand to new audiences has led to fabulous, unexpected collaborations, such as with the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson.
Within the world of Latin music, Sol de México has played alongside stars such as Vicente Fernández, Selena, Jose Feliciano and a record-breaking concert tour with Luis Miguel.
José Hernández has now been nominated for a total of eleven Grammy awards both Latin and American, between both of his groups, he has also been nominated and recognized as producer by the academy.
But more than awards and credits, it is the passion and love of the mariachi tradition that Mariachi Sol de México® upholds. When they are not playing for heads of state or global audiences , they can be seen locally and equipping a younger generation of musicians through the Mariachi Heritage Society.
¡Que Viva El Mariachi!
www.soldemexicomusic.com
Friday, March 3
11 am to 12 pm – WELCOME; Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Dr. Adolfo Estrada
12 to 1 pm - Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Eddy López
1 to 2 pm - Lunch on your own
2 to 3 pm - Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Charlie Borrego
3 to 7 pm - Group Competitions: Middle School, High School JV, High School 1-4A, 5A
Saturday, March 4
9 am - Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Maestro Jorge Iván Velasco
(Harps in the Lobby from 10 to 12 am)
10 am - Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Dr. Diana Seitz
11 am - Masterclass at the UTRGV PAC Auditorium with Maestro José Hernández,
12 to 1 pm - Lunch on your own
1 to 4:00 pm – Vocal Competition; High School Group Competition: 6A
7 pm – FESTIBA 2023 Mariachi Festival Grand Concert with Middle School and High School Vocal Competition winners, winners of Middle School and High School Group Competition, Mariachi Aztlán with Jorge Iván Velasco, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández.
AND ALSO THIS SPRING: SAVE THE DATE!!
April 21st & 22nd - Nuestra Cultura Mariachi Festival in Brownsville
Featuring Mariachi Los Camperos and Mariachi Aztlán
More info to follow soon!
Friday, March 3
3 to 7 pm - Group Competitions: Middle School, High School JV, High School 1-4A, 5A
Saturday, March 4
1 to 4:00 pm – Vocal Competition; High School Group Competition: 6A
7 pm – FESTIBA 2023 Mariachi Festival Grand Concert with Middle School and High School Vocal Competition winners, winners of Middle School and High School Group Competition, Mariachi Aztlán with Jorge Iván Velasco, Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández.
Nuestra Cultural Mariachi Festival in collaboration with FESTIBA 2023
Mariachi Workshop, Competition and Concert
REGISTRATION FORMS
NCMA Mariachi Festival 2023 Registration forms PDF
SCHEDULE (click here to download)
Friday, April 21, 2023
7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Registration at Jacob Brown Auditorium at TSC Lobby
9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Introduction – Adela Garza, Dr. Guerra & Tim Ramirez
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Workshop Sessions (See room list)
12:00 -1:30 p.m. Lunch
1:30 - 3:50 p.m. Workshop Session
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. Vocal Competition and Concert: TSC Performing Arts Center
Saturday, April 22, 2023
9:00 - 11:45 a.m. Group Competition
11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Mariachi Group Competition
2:45 - 3:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony
7:00 p.m. -- Grand Concert
Grand Concert includes the following participants:
1st place winners Middle School and High School Vocal Competition
1st place winner Middle School Group
High School Grand Champion
Mariachi Aztlán
Mariachi Los Camperos
Competition Ticket - $10 at the Door
Grand Concert Tickets - $40 at the door