Encore: TAMIU’s Mariachi Internacional takes
first place (again) at Ford Mariachi Extravaganza

Texas A&M International University’s three-year old mariachi program received resounding affirmation of its successes in a first place sweep in last month’s university competition at the Ford Lincoln Mercury Mariachi Extravaganza in San Antonio.
No stranger to firsts, the Mariachi Internacional shared first place honors last year with the University of Texas - Pan American’s Mariachi.
When TAMIU Mariachi members walked on stage to claim their prize, they were greeted by members of the oldest surviving mariachi group in the world, the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
TAMIU Mariachi director Dr. Rachel Cruz spoke with pride of the win and of the ensemble team work that included other faculty members and TAMIU administrators. "I couldn’t do it without them and they couldn’t do it without me," she said.
Mariachi Internacional member and vocalist Monica Martinez concurred with Cruz. "We put a lot of hard work into this and most importantly, it was the teamwork that made this happen," she said.
Twelve college and university mariachi groups from throughout Texas, as well as New Mexico and California, participated in this year’s competition.
"If there is such a thing as a perfect performance, an ensemble peaking at a perfect time, Mariachi Internacional accomplished that tonight," Cruz said after the win. "I couldn’t be more proud. They are the best university-level mariachi not only in the entire United States but also anywhere in the world."
Dr. Gilberto Soto, associate professor of music and fine and performing arts chair, said the victory was indicative of the teamwork and support that exists within the TAMIU community.
Because of the win, the Mariachi Internacional had the privilege of playing with the legendary Mariachi Vargas in a special Saturday evening concert. The concert culminated a weekend of special workshops and master classes in addition to the formal competition.
TAMIU president Dr. Ray Keck said the Mariachi Internacional served as an example "for others who wish to learn new artistic skills and perfect their skills in the TAMIU fine arts programs. The TAMIU mariachi has once again made the university and Laredo proud by attaining victory at the Mariachi Extravaganza."
"This is my first year and I’m coming back next year," said first-year Mariachi member José Hernandez.
"We put our hearts in it," said Mariachi member Elsa Ramos. "This took a lot of time, effort, and dedication. But what is most important is that we are all a family."