The Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Vocal Camp will be held June 24-28 for students interested in honing their skills in mariachi voice. New to this year’s camp are professional development (PD) workshops for Mariachi Directors! Directors will have the opportunity to attend the camp on Thursday, June 27 from 9AM-12:30 PM where sessions will be conducted. PD workshops are free for mariachi directors thanks to a grant made possible by CULTIVAR.

Mariachi directors may also qualify to receive a $100 stipend. All mariachi directors may attend, however, stipends are available only for school instructors employed by a public, private, or charter school, college or university within Bexar County.

Mariachi directors will have the opportunity to attend the following sessions with esteemed maestros y maestras:

Dr. Octavio Moreno received his Ph.d in Music at the University of Arizona and has performed as a baritone with some of the world’s most prestigious opera companies including the New York City Opera, the Houston Grand Opera and the Bellas Artes Opera in Mexico City. In “The Power of Knowledge,” Dr. Moreno explores the basic science and anatomy of the vocal instrument. In this workshop, attendees will learn the fundamentals of vocal technique and the importance of understanding the vocal anatomy and honoring its relevance as an instrument. 

Vanessa Alonzo started her professional career with the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) in 2010. The producers later wrote an aria for her in the mariachi opera “Cruzar La Cara de la Luna,” where for the past 14 years, she has performed throughout the world. In this workshop titled “Cantando con Estilo,” Vanessa will share tips and techniques to help vocalists develop their knowledge of the popular styles of mariachi music. Vanessa will explore rancheras, boleros, balladas, huapangos and sones and will demonstrate each style to help vocalists develop their understanding of these various rhythms.

Jonathan Palomar represents the highest standard of excellence in mariachi voice in its most authentic form having toured internationally with the world renowned, and Mexico City-based, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Jonathan will discuss “Voice Interpretation and Performance” and will utilize his vast experience as a performer and recording artist to help participants gain a better understanding on how to build a connection between the vocalist and the audience.

Alexa Posas was named “Grand Champion” in the Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition in 2015.  She currently attends Baylor University School of Nursing and works as a professional model in the Rio Grande Valley area. Alexa will present “Dazzling Mariachi Attire” where she will discuss the various components of a traditional mariachi traje and showcase the intricate details in beautiful dresses and outfits worn by vocalists for competitions and performances. She will share information on where to purchase trajes and secrets to putting amazing outfits together on a shoestring budget.

Registration

Mariachi Directors can register for FREE here.

Student registration is $200 prior to May 31st and $250 after this date. Students may register here.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts – Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater

100 Auditorium Circle, San Antonio, Texas

Mon., June 24 – 9AM – 4PM

Tues., June 25 – 9AM – 4PM

Wed., June 26 – 9AM – 4PM

Thurs., June 27 – 9AM – 6PM Student Registrants and 9AM – 12:30 PM for Mariachi Directors

Fri., June 28 – 9AM – 10:30PM (Public Performance at 7:30 PM)

(Schedule is subject to change)

The Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp is produced by MPR in collaboration with CULTIVAR. A public recital featuring student participants will be held on Friday, June 28 at 7:30 pm at the Tobin Center’s Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater. Participants will be accompanied by UTSA’s Mariachi Los Paisanos. Tickets will go on sale at Tobincenter.org on May 1.

Cynthia Muñoz, cynthia@mariachimusic.com or 210-860-9633.

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio in June!

Also, be sure to mark your calendar for the 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza December 5-7. Big announcements regarding this year’s event will be made soon so don’t miss it. Sign up today for the mariachimusic.com newsletter for the latest news and information regarding this year’s big celebration.