The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza serves as host to more than a dozen events, including the Group Competition, the Vocal Competition, and the Original Songwriting Competition. We created our international songwriting contest several years ago as a way to provide aspiring songwriters with the opportunity to share their original works with mariachi enthusiasts throughout the world. In the past several years, the number of entries submitted for this competition has continued to grow. As a result of this increase, next year we hope to offer workshops on the business aspects of songwriting.
This year’s deadline to submit entries for the songwriting competition was originally set for November 10, but we have extended it to November 14. Individuals interested in competing should submit a recording of each composition they wish to enter (see acceptable formats below), along with the written lyrics, to cynthia@mariachimusic.com by no later than midnight on November 14, 2014.
Some Frequently Asked Questions related to the songwriting competition follow:
What is the purpose of the Mariachi Songwriting Competition?
The purpose of this competition is to create and promote the original works of mariachi songwriters and composers on a local, regional, national, and international level.
Who may participate?
Anyone from any country may participate. Both new and seasoned songwriters are encouraged to enter.
What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate.
How many entries may I submit?
A maximum of three songs may be submitted by each participant.
How are entries submitted?
E-mail an MP3 (.mp3) or MP4 (.m4p or .aac) audio file of your entry to cynthia@mariachimusic.com. If you are submitting more than one song, please submit each as a separate file. In your e-mail, please include your name, phone number, e-mail address, the names of any collaborators, and a copy of the lyrics to the song you are submitting.
What if the song is a collaborative work?
If more than one person participated in the creation of the lyrics, music, arrangement, and/or recording of the song, please include in your e-mail the names of all collaborators or co-authors for each song submitted.
When is the deadline to submit an entry?
November 14, 2014.
Who are the judges for this contest?
Current or former members of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán judge the songwriting competition.
What are the judging criteria?
Judging criteria include melody, lyrics, songwriting technique, and originality.
How are the winners selected?
Each of the songs is played in its entirety for the judges, who rate each song according to the abovementioned judging criteria. The judges tabulate and discuss the ratings, then choose the first, second, and third place winners.
When will judging take place?
Judging will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2014, at 2:00 pm at the Wyndam Garden Hotel, 103 9th Street, San Antonio. Winners will be notified the same day, and their names will be announced during the Mariachi Group Competition on Friday, November 21, between 5 and 10 pm, at the Lila Cockrell Theatre.
May I attend the judging?
The judging event is open to the public. Everyone is invited to attend.
How important is the quality of the recording I submit?
The quality of the recording, the arrangement, and the vocal/instrumental performances on the recording will not affect the judging. The composition itself is what is being judged.
As the songwriter, do I have to sing my own composition on the recording?
No. Anyone may sing your song on the recording you submit.
How many winners are chosen?
The judges select one winner each for first, second, and third place.
What are the prizes?
All winners will be recognized during San Antonio’s 20th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, in press releases distributed to the media, and in blogs posted on mariachimusic.com. Winners will also receive cash prizes and an award certificate.
Please contact MPR at (210) 225-3353 with any additional questions about the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Original Songwriting Competition. We look forward to seeing all of you at the 20th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, November 16-22!
