Ángela Salas, 2013 first place college/university category winner
The deadline for entering the 20th annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition is Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Our yearly Vocal Competition — the largest and most competitive event of its type in the U.S. — is one of the highlights of the seven-day Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. A tremendous amount of effort goes into this exhilarating event, and much appreciation is extended to all of the mariachi directors, vocal instructors, parents, family, and friends who contribute towards making it all happen. The result is simply breathtaking, and the Vocal Competition is a must-attend event during Extravaganza week.
The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition is also the only vocal contest in the United States judged by members of the world-renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. These prestigious judges will select first, second, and third place winners in each of the four categories listed below. In addition, they will select one student as the “Best Vocalist in the U.S.” This winner will open the show for Mariachi Vargas on Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lila Cockrell Theatre and will be invited to represent the Extravaganza in events throughout the coming year.
Students from elementary to college age are invited to compete in one of four categories: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, or College/University. Each interested participant must complete the following before the October 1 deadline:
a. Submit the online Individual Registration form;
b. E-mail the required MP3 or MP4 files, or YouTube video link, to cynthia@mariachimusic.com; and
c. Submit payment (if registering as an individual rather than part of a group).
The preliminary judges, made up of professional mariachi musicians and leaders in the entertainment field, will review all entries and will select the finalists, the list of which will be posted on mariachimusic.com by 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22. Finalists are selected based on clarity of voice, pronunciation, intonation, timing, phrasing, and interpretation. Due to time constraints, the number of finalists will be limited to approximately 36 individuals. This is a difficult challenge with all of the incredible talent that is out there, so it’s important that the recording you submit represent your very best work, and that your voice can be heard clearly over the accompaniment. Strive for excellence in your recording, and be sure it reflects your true live performance.
Many entrants ask if they can submit a cappella (unaccompanied) recordings. The answer is no, because the judges use instrumental accompaniment as an essential point of reference for evaluating timing and phrasing. Please feel free to call us directly to clarify details or ask any questions that you may have. You can reach us at our office during business hours at 210-225-3353, or on our cell phones at 210-860-9633 (Cynthia) and 210-414-8409 (Sandra).
The competition occurs on Saturday, November 22, at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. The event begins with the Elementary School category at 9 a.m. and finishes at approximately 12:30 p.m. Whether or not you make it to the finals, please plan to attend the mariachi workshops, competitions, and student presentation. Your Extravaganza registration allows you free entry into all of these events. Additional tickets for the vocal competition may be purchased at the door for $10.00.
Please forward this information to anyone you think might be interested in competing in or attending the 20th annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition.
Click here to register. Please visit the mariachimusicdotcom YouTube channel to see more videos of previous winners and finalists. Click on links below to view last year’s performances by other first place winners.
Best of luck to all! We look forward to seeing you there!
—Cynthia
