TAMIU Joins Innovative Collaboration with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán de Guadalajara

An innovative collaboration with the legendary Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán de Guadalajara and Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will pave 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 will join TAMIU officials on Thursday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall to initiate an 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.

Among the most anticipated aspects of the collaboration are a Mariachi Workshop, competition and concert performance, he 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.

For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

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