The Mariachi Extravaganza is a national mariachi group and vocal competition held in San Antonio, Tx. Middle School, High School, and College ensembles from all over the US travel to what is known as the "Superbowl of Mariachi" to compete for the national champion title and a chance to open up for the headlining mariachi, which at this year's 30th annual Mariachi Extravaganza happened to be Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán- the best mariachi in the world. This year, our Edinburg High School Mariachi Primer Orgullo, took on the challenge of competing in the high school group competition against 24 other high school ensembles. They put on a great performance in the preliminary round and were announced as one of the 8 finalists of the competition.
The next day, our MPO competed once again in the group finals, and put on an energetic and skillful performance. Their hard work and passion for the music was visible on the stage. Their efforts earned them 3rd place in the competition, making them the 3rd best high school ensemble in the nation and earning them individual bronze medals.
Our students also had the honor of showcasing their talent in other ways during the Extravaganza. MPO's senior vihuela player, Eleno Rodriguez, was invited by UTRGV's Mariachi Aztlán to step in as a guest teacher at the Extravaganza's instrumental workshops. In this role, Eleno was able to help teach middle school, high school, and college level armonía students the mariachi songs that were chosen for the workshops. We are extremely proud of Eleno for representing our school in this way.
As director of Mariachi Primer Orgullo, I would like my students to know that I am extremely proud of their hard work and this amazing accomplishment. Year after year, I am lucky enough to witness how our ensemble grows and makes history for Edinburg High School, and this year is no different. MPO's members understood that attending a highly competitive national competition would require tremendous effort and sacrifice, but they stepped it up and made a name for Mariachi Primer Orgullo at the national level. This win is a testament to the hours of hard work that our students put into preparing for this competition, but also the love of the music they carry within them. I want my students to know that they are capable of reaching whatever goals they set for themselves this year because they have the heart, passion, and dedication it takes to be an award-winning mariachi ensemble.
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