University's 'Fiesta de Mariachi 2000' Celebrates Local, Area Talent

With lusty gritos and piercing trumpeting, local and area high school mariachi musicians gathered at Texas A&M International University for the second annual Fiesta de Mariachi 2000.

The second annual outdoor festival was designed to showcase the artistic tradition of regional mariachi music in a one-day competition and took place in front of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

Special guest performances were provided by the Mariachi Atzlan, a professional troupe, the debut performance of A&M International Mariachi Internacional and the A&M International Ballet Folklorico.

Nine competing teams vied for first, second and third place awards, as well as sectional awards.

Judges for the event were John Vela, Alice Independent School District; Reymundo Gonzalez, Corpus Christi ISD and Jose Garcia, Alice ISD.

First place was awarded to Eagle Pass - C.. C. Winn Campus. Second Place was received by Premont High School and Third place was earned by Roma High School.

Best Male Vocalist was Abiel Hinojosa of Roma High School and Best Female Vocalist was Amanda Hofstetter of Premont High School.

Best Rhythm Section was awarded to Roma High School while Best Violin/Flute Section was earned by Eagle Pass - C.C. Winn Campus and Best Trumpet Section was received by Eagle Pass - C. C. Winn Campus.

Eagle Pass - C. C. Winn Campus also received the awared for Best Showmanship.

Texas A&M International University (A&M International) is a vibrant, growing center of education for South Texas, Latin America, and beyond. Located strategically at the gateway to Latin America, it provides considerable opportunities for international study. A&M International has an institutional mission which reflects its unique characteristics and which is responsive to educational, public service, and research needs of its local, regional, and international constituencies.

A proud Member of The Texas &M University System, A&M International is home to over 3,000 students from around the world...and around the corner. It is committed to providing a cadre of prepared leaders who can serve in various fields of international importance.

This year, the University celebrates its 30th year of higher education service to South Texas.

For additional information on "Fiesta de Mariachi 2000," contact the University's Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 956.326.2180.

University 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