TAMIU Collaborating with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán de Guadalajara
An innovative collaboration launched Oct. 16 with the legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán de Guadalajara and Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) paves the way for a first-ever Artist in Residence Program and an array of mariachi music learning and outreach activities.
Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán director Angel Martínez joined TAMIU officials in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall for the historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
Brendan Townsend, TAMIU assistant professor of music and director of music programs, College of Arts and Sciences’ department of fine and performing arts, said the MOU initiates a spectrum of activities on campus and in the community.
“First and foremost, this will provide an Artist in Residence Program here February through April. The Artists in Residence will work with TAMIU’s Mariachi International on various performance aspects with special insight into armonia and vocals, violin techniques and brass techniques.
“Our visiting Artists will also be providing some remarkable coaching and mentoring opportunities to our partners in Mariachi music programs in both Laredo and United Independent School Districts,” Townsend added.
Tecalitlán director Martínez said he was looking forward to the opportunity to share the legendary group's legacy with students here.
"This is really a remarkable opportunity and we are honored to lead these youngsters in learning and mastering our cherished art form, born in Mexico and shared with the world," Martinez noted.
Among the most anticipated aspects of the collaboration are a Mariachi Workshop, competition and concert performance, Townsend said.
“In April, during our Artist’s final visit, we will host a mariachi workshop and contest for area school mariachi groups. The grand finale sees a contest-selected Mariachi group sharing a concert with The Laredo Phil. We will perform on our own, we will perform accompanying the Mariachi group and the second half will feature Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán. Our grand finale will showcase all those who took part in the workshop actually playing with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán on the stage at the Laredo Entertainment Arena,” Townsend said.
The effort to secure the collaboration with the Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán was undertaken by Dr. Minita Ramírez, TAMIU vice president for Student Success, and Townsend, who traveled to Guadalajara to meet with the Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán.
Recognized at the announcement was Elmo Lopez, Sr. who initiated the University's music program in 1995, who said he was happy to see how it had prospered.
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