TAMIU Mariachi Internacional Recharges for Fall with New Director Named to Lead Program
The familiar sounds of mariachi music are returning to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) this Fall Semester.
Mariachi Internacional TAMIU, the University’s performing group, is reforming and a Fall course dedicated to mariachi music is now attracting enrollment from students of all musical abilities. Both music and non-music majors are encouraged to enroll.
Dr. Fritz Gechter, chair of the College of Arts and Sciences’ department of Fine and Performing Arts, shared news of the hiring of a new faculty member to spearhead its return.
“We’re delighted to announce that we have secured the talents of John David Spillane II to lead the re-establishment and growth of the Mariachi Internacional TAMIU. He’s a longtime Laredoan and music educator with over 36 years of educational experience, conducting and directing award-winning music students and ensembles, including concert band, marching band, mariachi, and jazz band. We’re confident he will advance our program and help our students reach their personal goals as musicians and possibly as future music educators,” Dr. Gechter observed.
Spillane holds a Master of Music with an emphasis in Conducting from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Currently assistant band director at Antonio González Middle School, he has held various director or assistant director positions at Travis High School, La Porte High School, Galveston Independent School District, Cotulla ISD, Dr. Leo Cigarroa High School, and J. W. Nixon High School.
The Mariachi Internacional TAMIU includes music students and students from other disciplines interested in learning or refining their technique and style of mariachi music. It proudly represents Hispanic culture, heritage, and traditions of the South Texas area through spirited performances.
This Fall, students will meet as an ensemble on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 – 6:55 p.m. in Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, Room 122. This ensemble blends competitive and repertory elements, welcoming both experienced mariachi musicians and those looking to refine their skills. Members will work on a standard repertoire while preparing for performances, with opportunities to sing, play secondary instruments, and develop strong memorization skills.
Gechter said students of all abilities and interests are welcome.
“We’re eager to provide our students with a remarkable learning opportunity and the ability to joyfully celebrate the magic that is mariachi music,” he concluded.
For additional information about the Mariachi Internacional TAMIU, contact the department of Fine and Performing Arts at 956.326.2654, visit offices in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, 217, or click on https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/fpa/mariachi.shtml
Registration for the Fall Semester 2025 at TAMIU is underway now. Visit the Registration Hub for details. Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.
For more on the University’s story, visit tamiu.edu or follow its social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.
