University Schedules Third 'Fiesta de Mariachi 2001' Saturday
This weekend's musical highlight will be the presentation of the Third Annual Texas A&M International University Fiesta de Mariachi 2001, Saturday March 3 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The third annual festival will take place in the Kinesiology and Convocation Building and features high school bands from throughout the region in a one-day competition. Admission is free.
A&M International president Dr. Charles Jennett said that the University is honored to showcase the artistic tradition of mariachi music.
"Fiesta de Mariachi 2001 offers us an opportunity to celebrate the unique art form we know and love as Mariachi Music. This event continues to grow as a showcase celebration for this beloved tradition and the talented youngsters that are carrying it forward. Over 1200 fans enjoyed last year's presentation and we encourage mariachi fans of all ages to join us for this year's celebration," Dr. Jennett said.
Fiesta de Mariachi 2001 participants will vie for first, second and third place awards, as well as sectional awards. A special program will also feature the A&M International Mariachi Internacional, under the direction of Dr. Rachel Cruz, and a combined performance by contestants.
Event organizer Betty Momayezi, executive director of student life, encourages Fiesta-goers to enjoy the competition.
"We'll have student groups running food concessions as fundraisers for their projects and we're aiming to create an overall fun, family atmosphere," she said.
Coolers and alcoholic beverages will not be permitted.
The performance and competition schedule is as follows:
Performance Schedule
10:00 Exhibition Performance by A&M International's Award-Winning Mariachi Internacional
10:30 Introduction and Welcome
10:45 United Middle School Mariachi Galitas
11:00 Roma Middle School Mariachi Escandon
11:15 Trautman Middle School Mariachi Internacional
11:30 Somerset ISD Mariachi Los Vaqueros de Somerset
11:45 Eagle Pass High School Aguilas Del Norte
12:00 Lunch (Visit student organization food booths. All proceeds go directly to A&M International student groups).
1:00 United South High School Mariachi Perla Del Sur
1:15 Zapata High School Mariachi Halcon
1:30 Martin High School Los Tigres del Sur
1:45 Alexander High School Mariachi Galas De Oro
2:00 Southwest High School Mariachi Melodias de Mexico
2:15 Break
2:30 Cigarroa High School Mariachi Azteca
2:45 San Benito High School Mariachi Del Sol
3:00 Eagle Pass CC Winn Campus Mariachi Aguilas De Oro
3:15 McAllen ISD Orgullo De Mi Cuidad
3:30 United High School Mariach Del Mar
3:45 Roma High School Mariachi Nuevo Santander
4:15 Exhibition Performances by A&M International student groups: Mariachi Internacional, Classical Spanish Ballet and Ballet Folklorico
5:15 Grande Finale, Awards Presentation and performance of 1st place Mariachi
For additional information on "Fiesta de Mariachi 2001," contact the University's Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 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