Mariachi Extravaganza – Las Vegas

The Mariachi Extravaganza is heading to Las Vegas through a collaborative effort between MPR and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, with support from KHS Alianza Académica in Nashville, Tennessee. This expansion introduces mariachi group and vocal competitions open to students in elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges/universities.

Why Las Vegas?
Las Vegas is a hub for mariachi music education, with the Clark County School District boasting over 7,000 students enrolled in mariachi programs—the largest in the nation. Expanding the Mariachi Extravaganza to Nevada provides:
– The opportunity for students to perform on a prestigious stage and gain recognition.
– Increased opportunities for student participation in the western U.S.
– A chance for students from Texas and beyond to compete against a broader talent pool.

Event Schedule
Location: Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154
Competitions: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Concert (featuring winners and special guests): 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Registration
– Group Registration: Now open
– Vocal Competition Entries: Currently being accepted

Vocal Competition Registration

Group Competition Registration

COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS

Entry Fees and Deadlines

Competition	Period	Fee
Vocal Competition	Dec. 15 – Jan. 31	$25 per entry
Group Early Registration	Dec. 15 – Jan. 31	$300
Group Registration	Feb. 1 – 22	$350
Group Late Registration	Feb. 23 – Mar. 2	$400

Cancellation Policy
– Cancellations (Feb. 1–22): 25% fee based on total registration.
– No cancellations accepted after Feb. 22.

Competition Categories
Groups and vocalists may compete in these categories:

Elementary School: Grades 1–5
Middle School: Grades 6–8
High School: Grades 9–12
College/University: Students in Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. programs, Vocational/Trade schools, Arts Academies.

Note: Categories may be combined based on the number of registrations.

Vocal Competition Rules
– Participants must be enrolled in school (homeschool and virtual school students are eligible).
– Maximum age: 25 years
– Complete registration form
– Submit an unedited video recording (4 minutes max) via YouTube.
– Students can submit more than 1 audition. Additional submissions are $25 each.
– Recordings must feature live mariachi, guitar, or pista accompaniment (no piano/keyboard or non-traditional instruments).
– Finalists must compete with the same song submitted.

Group Competition Rules

– Groups must consist of at least 10 musicians (no maximum).
– Each student must play an instrument during the competition.
– Submit setlists during registration; ensure correct titles and spellings.
– Performance time limits:
• Middle School: 5–7 minutes
• High School: 7–10 minutes
• College/University: 8–10 minutes

Awards:

Group Competitions: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in Elementary/Middle School, High School, and College/University categories will be awarded. Winners will open for the Mariachi Extravaganza evening concert.
Vocal Competitions: Trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in four categories (Elementary, Middle School, High School, College/University). First-place winners will also receive:
- Automatic entry to the Mariachi Extravaganza National Vocal Competition Semifinals in San Antonio (December 2025).
- Scholarship/Grant
- Opportunity to open for Jonathan Palomar in concert

Audio Setup:
• Microphones and stands are adjustable, but wired mics cannot be moved.
• All performers will compete using the following stage plot.