Roma Tops in First Fiesta de Mariachi Competition at A&M International

Laredo -- The final trumpeta has blown and the last grito is over for the First Fiesta de Mariachi, a competition for high school mariachi groups held at Texas A&M International University Sunday (April 25).

The event attracted over 1000 Laredoans and visitors from Zapata, Roma, Eagle Pass and other parts of South and Central Texas.

Competitors vied for First, Second and Third place plaques and best sectional music honors.

First place award went to Roma High School. Winn High School of Eagle Pass received the competition's Second Place award. Third place was awarded to Martin High School of Laredo.

Sectional Honors were awarded as follows:

Trumpets - Roma High School.

Rhythm - Roma High School.

Male Vocal - Gerardo Lopez, Winn High School.

Female Vocalist - Diana Degollado, Martin High School.

The Judges elected to award a special "Showmanship Award" to Zapata High School.

Featured entertainment at the event included the A&M International Ballet Folklorico and a special performance by the Trautmann Middle School Mariachi Ensemble. Student clubs and groups provided a variety of snacks and refreshments for sale as fundraisers for club activities.

Judges for the event were John A. Vela, Alice Independent School District, Jose C. Garcia, Alice ISD and Raymond Gonzalez, Corpus Christi Independent School District. A&M International Band Director Elmo Lopez Sr. served as Chief Judge.

For additional information on the Fiesta de Mariachi, please contact Dr. Stephen Brown, Dean of Student Affairs at Texas A&M International University, 956.326.2275.

Office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu