Mariachi vocalists have until October 1st to submit a video audition to the 30th Annual Mariachi Extravaganza’s National Vocal Competition. If you have a passion for singing, specifically for the Mexican genre of mariachi, this competition is for you. Selected semi-finalists will get to perform live at the Lila Cockrell Theatre in San Antonio, TX for a chance to advance to the finals and be crowned Grand Champion Vocalist.
The National Vocal Competition is divided into 3 categories, Middle School, High School, and College University and unfolds in several rounds. Round 1 is the online video audition. Anyone that wishes to compete must first record their competition piece and submit it on the registration form found on MariachiMusic.com. The deadline to submit will be on October 1st so we encourage you to start working on your submission now. Semi-finalists will be announced on October 29th via Facebook Live. Round 2 is the live competition that will take place on Thursday, December 5th at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. An esteemed panel of judges will select the top performers to compete in the 3rd and final round – The National Competition Finals. Finalists will compete on Saturday, December 7th and will be judged by none other than members of el Mejor Mariachi del Mundo Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. Vargas members will select the final winners and the overall Grand Champion Vocalist.
To celebrate its 30th Annual festival, the Mariachi Extravaganza has made it a goal this year to give away the largest amount of scholarships and prizes in the history of the event. Traditionally, first, second and third place winners of each category are awarded grants/scholarships for their outstanding performances. The ultimate prize goes to the Grand Champion Vocalist who is given the opportunity to open up the Mariachi Extravaganza concert headlined by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
The Mariachi Extravaganza’s National Vocal Competition is the most competitive event for mariachi voices in the Nation. Competitors will be judged on pitch, diction, precision, dynamics, interpretation, and stage presence. To prepare for the competition we recommend you watch the following videos.
Vocal Audition Tips w/ Jonathan Palomar
Interpretation and Lyric Analysis – How to Sing Mariachi w/ Edwin Origel (Part 1)
Stage Presence, Attire, and Engaging the Audience – How to Sing Mariachi w/ Edwin Origel (Part 3)
Falsetto – How to Sing Mariachi w/ Edwin Origel (Part 4)
Tickets to see the Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition on Thursday, December 5 can be purchased at Box Office located at the entrance to the Lila Cockrell Theatre at the start of the event. One wristband allows for entry into 3 competitions: The National Vocal Competition, the National Group Competition and the Finals. Competition wristbands can only be purchased in advance through your Mariachi Director.
For more information about the National Vocal Competition click here, or contact leon@mariachimusic.com or (210) 629-2820.
The Mariachi Extravaganza is a production of San Antonio based MPR (Muñoz Public Relations). The event serves as a platform to promote higher education and cultural preservation among Hispanic youth. Everyone is welcome to submit an entry to the vocal competition as long as you meet the requirements. Click here to review the requirements. Scholarships and grants awarded are made possible with support from sponsors.
