The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Group Competition is considered to be the most highly competitive mariachi group competition for middle school, high school and college/university level mariachi groups in the United States.
Judging criteria includes:
- Musicianship of each individual section (violins, trumpets, armonia, vocalists)
- Overall Presentation
- Style and Interpretation
- Stage Presence/Showmanship
- Intonation
- Appearance
- Clarity/Precision
- Volume
First, second and third place winners are selected in each of the three previously mentioned categories. First place winners will be invited to perform their competition piece as an opening act during the Mariachi Vargas finale concert.
The Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Group Competition is open to the public. Competition wristbands may be purchased online prior to the competition at a discounted rate or on the day of the event at the theater entrance for full price. Competition wristbands allow entry into the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Group, National Vocal and High School Group Finals competitions.