Every December, the Mariachi Extravaganza brings together the most dedicated young mariachi musicians in the nation. Students travel from across the United States to share their love of mariachi music, culture, and tradition. These are not casual participants. They are students who are deeply involved, engaged, disciplined, and passionate about the art form. They practice for hours, maintain strong grades, and demonstrate leadership within their schools and communities.
For many of these students, mariachi music is more than a class or extracurricular activity—it is a way of life. The Extravaganza is an event they look forward to participating in every year and for many, it’s the most anticipated event of the year!!!
That is why the mariachi community has been deeply saddened by the recent situation involving the Gamez-Cuellar family of McAllen, Texas, who were detained during an immigration check-in. Our hearts go out to the family as they face an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience—especially for the young people involved.
It is heartbreaking to imagine talented young students—children who have devoted themselves to music and education—facing the uncertainty and fear that comes with detention. The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support the three brothers—Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua—and their loved ones during this difficult time. We encourage anyone who is able to support the family and keep them in their thoughts.
Mariachi Excellence in McAllen
Alex Treviño has long been one of the pillars of mariachi education in South Texas. A Grammy-nominated artist with Mariachi Los Arrieros, Treviño has participated in the Mariachi Extravaganza for all 31 years—as a student, director, and parent.
His impact on the mariachi community is profound.
Treviño is known for promoting excellence in mariachi music, setting the standard for students across the region and taking many leadership positions among various mariachi-related organizations. Under his leadership, students learn not only musical skill, but discipline, teamwork, and pride in their cultural heritage. Many young musicians look up to him as a role model, and his programs are widely respected for their competitive spirit and high level of artistry.
For students in his programs, attending the Mariachi Extravaganza isn’t just about participating—it’s about striving to be the best.
The Gamez-Cuellar Brothers
Among the many talented students who emulate Alex Treviño, students who are influenced by this culture of excellence, are the Gamez-Cuellar brothers, remarkable young musicians who embody the dedication and work ethic that define the mariachi tradition.
These are not average students. They are exceptional young artists who have earned recognition as part of one of the most respected school mariachi programs in the nation.
- Antonio Gamez-Cuellar – 18 years old, 11th grade, trumpet
- Caleb Gamez-Cuellar – 14 years old, 9th grade, harp
- Joshua Gamez-Cuellar – 11 years old, 6th grade, vihuela
The brothers have grown up immersed in mariachi music, spending countless hours practicing and performing while balancing their academic responsibilities. Their commitment reflects the same values seen throughout the mariachi community: hard work, discipline, leadership, and pride in cultural tradition.
Success at the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza
Antonio and Caleb performed as members of Mariachi Oro de McAllen High School at the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza National Group Competition.
The group competed in the High School Category semifinal round on Friday, December 5, facing 28 mariachi groups from across the country. After a powerful performance, Mariachi Oro advanced to the finals as one of the top eight high school mariachi groups in the United States.
The following evening, during the national finals on Saturday, December 6, Mariachi Oro delivered another outstanding performance.
Their results were remarkable:
- 2nd Place – National High School Mariachi Group Competition
- Tie for Best Trumpet Section with Mariachi Nuevo Santander
In addition, one of their fellow students, Allyson Contador, earned the top prize in the Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition where she was named Mariachi Extravaganza National Grand Champion.
The success of Mariachi Oro reflects the dedication of its students, the leadership of their director, and the strong musical culture that exists in the Rio Grande Valley.
A Young Musician’s First Extravaganza
The youngest of the brothers, Joshua Gamez-Cuellar, experienced his own milestone at the Extravaganza.
A student at Travis Middle School in McAllen, Joshua competed in the Middle School Vocal Competition, performing the beloved mariachi song “La de los Hoyitos.”
Although it was his first time competing, Joshua delivered a strong performance that made his family and community proud. Like many young musicians, he had attended the Extravaganza in previous years, dreaming of the day he would take the stage himself.
His debut reflected the same promise and talent that run throughout the family.
More Than a Competition
The Mariachi Extravaganza has always been about more than trophies or titles.
The festival attracts students who are:
- Deeply involved in their music programs
- Engaged in cultural traditions
- Self-motivated and disciplined
- Committed to excellence
- Passionate about mariachi music
These students spend hours practicing during school, after school, and on weekends. They work hard to maintain their academic standing because participation in these programs requires strong grades and responsible conduct.
Being part of a nationally recognized mariachi ensemble requires dedication that few young people are willing to commit to—but those who do become leaders in their schools and communities.
The Gamez-Cuellar brothers represent the very best of this tradition and have been attending and/or competing in the Mariachi Extravaganza for the past 3 years.
A Community That Feels Like Family
For more than three decades, the Mariachi Extravaganza has helped build a tight-knit national mariachi community. Directors, students, and families return year after year, forming relationships that often last a lifetime.
Because of this, the recent situation involving the Gamez-Cuellar family has deeply affected musicians and educators across the country.
When students participate in this community for so long, they become more than participants—they become family.
Seeing young musicians separated from their loved ones is heartbreaking. The mariachi world stands together in support of these talented brothers and their family during this difficult time.
Standing Together
The mariachi community is built on values of family, culture, resilience, and unity. In moments like this, those values matter more than ever.
Antonio, Caleb, and Joshua are gifted young musicians with bright futures ahead of them. Their dedication to mariachi music, their achievements on the national stage, and their commitment to excellence reflect the very best of what mariachi education represents.
Today, the mariachi community stands with them—with hope, compassion, and solidarity.
Our hearts remain with the Gamez-Cuellar family as they navigate this challenging moment.
Photo credits: Emily Dunlap, UTSA Student
Read more at The New York Times: ICE Detention of Teen Musicians Roils Texas Mariachi Community
