There are 4 different kinds of competitions that take place as part of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza. There’s the Mariachi Group Competition on Friday, December 6 starting at 5 pm and the Mariachi Vocal Competition on Saturday, December 7 starting a 9 am. Both of these events are held at the Lila Cockrell Theater and tickets can be purchased at the theater Box Office 1 hour prior to the events. There is also a mariachi-themed art exhibit and competition that takes place on Tuesday, December 3 at the Centro Cultural Aztlan and an original Mariachi Songwriting Competition held at the Grand Hyatt on Thursday, December 5. Both these events are FREE and open to the public. Individuals interested in submitting an art piece for the mariachi-themed art exhibit may do so by calling Ruth or Malena at the Centro Cultural Aztlan at 210-379-4638. Individuals interested in submitting a song for the original songwriting competition should do so by emailing an MP3 file of the song to Ally@mariachimusic.com by Wednesday, November 27.
See below for FAQs in regards to the original songwriting competition:
What is the purpose of the original songwriting competition?
The purpose of this competition is to create and promote the original work from songwriters, composers, musicians and musical arrangers on a local, regional and national level.
How many entries can I submit?
Up to three song entries may be submitted per person. Include your name, phone number and email address, along with the name of all other individuals involved with the lyrics, arrangement and recording for each of the songs.
What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate.
When is the deadline to submit an entry?
Wednesday, November 27 at 10 p.m.
How is the winner selected?
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges made up by current members and/or former members of the world’s preeminent Mariachi Vargas de Tecaltilán. Each of the songs will be played in its entirety during the judges’ review. The selection process will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 2 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt located at 600 E. Market, Conference Room Bonham E.
Can I attend the selection process?
The selection process is an open process. Everyone is invited to attend.
What does the winner receive?
Winners will be announced during the Mariachi Group Competition on Friday, December 6 at the Lila Cockrell Theater between 5-10 p.m. Winners will also receive recognition via press materials distributed to media via MPR and blogs posted on mariachimusic.com.
Who maintains the rights to the song?
You maintain all rights to the song unless at some point you choose to sell or give up those rights.
Does the winner get to have his/her song performed during the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza?
The winner may perform, or have his/her song performed, during one of the breaks during the Mariachi Vocal Competition on Saturday, December 7 between 9 am – 12:00 noon.
What happens after the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza is over?
MPR will offer support to ensure your song is registered with appropriate organizations. MPR will also promote your song and help you get connected to the right people that may be able to help you take your original work a step further.
Thanks and give MPR a call at 210-225-3353 if you have any further questions!
