Thanks to everyone for a successful Mariachi Extravaganza Summer Camp. Once again, the students put on an amazing recital accompanied by UTSA’s Mariachi Los Paisanos under the direction of Summer Camp maestros: Octavio Moreno, Jonathan Palomar, Vanessa Alonzo and Alicia Covarrrubias. So many people helped make this event a huge success starting with our primary supporter Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, Raising Cane’s and the the many volunteers who donated their time to help create lifetime memories for young artists from throughout Texas. Friends, family and community leaders – including Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai gathered for an evening of extraordinary performances. Here’s what some of the participants had to say:
“One of the highlights for me was working one on one with the maestros. I feel like I developed as an artist and learned something new every day…especially different ways to use my voice…things I didn’t know about. I’m use to singing sones and Octavio taught me how to use my voice differently to sing boleros. I loved being able to share this experience with many of my friends and fellow group members from Mariachi Grulla de Plata. We all felt super excited to be part of the camp and grateful to be part of beautiful evening of extraordinary performances.
Lorraine Garza
Mariachi Extravaganza Grand Champion Vocal Winner
Grulla High School
“You can feel the passion in their performances. I got goose bumps watching every student sing their hearts out. It was totally enthralling. What impressed me the most was the maturity of the voices. I couldn’t believe it was coming from kids… their voices were mature, professional and they really knew how to put on a show. Their outfits also looked great with beautiful bold colors. This is definitely not your average summer camp.”
B. Antonio Mayhar
Photographer
UTSA Student
“The highlight for me was to witness the amazing talent of all of the participants. It’s amazing to see how much their personality changes from talking to them off stage to seeing them come to life and shine on stage. They go from being timid to letting it all out and blossoming on stage. I saw this one kid Matteo turn into a Pedrito Fernandez when he walked on stage singing La de la Muchilla Azul. I was happy that everything went so smoothly with our accompaniment of the artists and I was happy with the outcome. Everything was super well organized thanks to Leon Camacho and we were super happy with the entire experience. On top of everything, I was able to take a private class with Jonathan Palomar and he shared excellent vocal techniques that really helped grow as an artist.
Alexander Garcia
Vihuelista
UTSA’s Mariachi Los Paisanos
“Loved hearing so many talented voices, getting to make new friends, singing without being afraid of messing up and the jam sessions during our lunch break!”
Student participants
“The students had me so emotional. I felt such a great appreciation throughout the week. There was so much love and passion from the students and this motivates me to continue doing what we’re doing. I always get emotional, but this year was even more. I’ve always enjoyed being a maestro and it just seems to get better every year. I love all of the various ages and there’s so much stage presence especially among the younger students. They have no inhibitions they just let it all go! Looking forward to doing it all over again next year!
Mil gracias to each and everyone of you who attended the camp and recital. We look forward to seeing everyone again December 4-6, 2025 in San Antonio for the 31st Annual Mariachi Extravaganza. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to sign up for the MariachiMusic.Com Monthly Newsletter to receive all of the latest news and updates on this year’s event.