Talented student mariachi vocalists are encouraged to enter the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition in San Antonio December 4. The deadline to submit an entry is Friday, October 1, 2010. To enter, students must submit a cd, dvd, or mp3 file postmarked by October 1 to the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, One Ten Broadway, Ste. 220, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

The competition attracts the most talented student mariachi vocalists from elementary to college age and is the largest, longest running and most competitive mariachi vocal competition in the US. Past winners have gone off to appear in national televised vocal competition programs such as “La Academia” and “Tengo Talento.” Others have been awarded scholarships and had the opportunity to open for Mariachi Vargas in San Antonio and other cities.

Entries submitted by October 1 with the online application form and registration fee will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed vocalists.  Finalist will be chosen in four categories: elementary; middle school, high school and Colloge/University. Finalists selected will be posted on mariachimusic.com on November 1 and will compete at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, December 4 at 9:00 am. The judges will be members of the world renowned and Mexico City based Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan who will select first, second and third place winners in each of 4 categories. One student will be selected as the ”Best Mariachi Vocalist in the US” and will open for Mariachi Vargas on December 4.

Vocal competition rules are outlined on mariachimusic.com under “conference registration form.” For additional information please call 210-225-3353.

Photograph:  2009 “Best in the US” winner Celeste Curiel, Texas State University.