Texas Southmost College Mariachi Summer Camp Connects Students with Skilled Musicians

The unmistakable sounds of violins, guitars, trumpets, and dynamic sung vocals rang throughout the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Once the dozens of young musicians adorned the stage in their colorful trajes concluded their piece, the gathered audience showered them with resounding applause.

It was as amazing a conclusion as they could have hoped for, especially considering that they had learned the entirety of their performance in only three days.

The second installment of TSC’s Mariachi Summer Camp once again managed to attract a large number of young students to participate in interactive music lessons. Over the course of three days, they studied under the tutelage of a selection of talented and accomplished music clinicians, including an assortment of skilled music instructors from different BISD schools. Many of them have seen the positive impacts that music education can have on students.

“Some of the benefits I have seen, both with the students here and with my students, is that these kinds of opportunities can open their eyes to a new world of possibilities,” said Anahil Suarez Gaytan, Mariachi Director at Rivera Early College High School and member of Mariachi Margaritas. “It’s empowering to them, and they’re so happy to be able to perform with wonderful teachers and people who they admire.”

In addition, Adrian Vaca, an accomplished member of the renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, filled the important role of Master Class Conductor. Vaca’s lifelong love of and devotion to music made him a natural choice, as he could share the benefit of his years of experience with students.

“It’s a privilege to be able to give back the knowledge that I’ve obtained over the years because I’ve been lucky enough to have great educators throughout my life, so having the ability to give back is an honor,” said Vaca. “The kids are so fortunate to have people who believe in them and in Mariachi education, so it’s been a true honor to be here working in these great facilities and giving these kids the opportunity to work with educators who can help them grow.”

Perhaps none are prouder to see the camp draw in so many students and performers than Avigai Gonzalez, TSC’s Music Program Administrator and Director of Mariachi Escorpion. Her experiences in teaching and performing mariachi music have created a genuine desire to help others develop the same appreciation for the learning process involved in studying music and the cultural aspect of mariachi music.

“The importance of the cultural connection with the Mariachi Camp and our campus at Texas Southmost College is how the music plays a huge role in our culture, students, and our future,” she said. “Bringing these camps into our campus and allowing our students to have these opportunities to study music and get hands-on experience with our clinicians creates a scenario in which they can learn about their own cultural heritage through the history and style of mariachi.”

The participating students came from different schools and backgrounds, but they were all united by their genuine appreciation for music and a desire to continue improving their skills, regardless of whether they were already seasoned musicians or only picking up instruments for the very first time.

”It’s really fun here, and I’m having a good time,” said Matteo Lopez, a 7th-grade student with IDEA Pharr. “The school is very pretty, and I love that the teachers are professionals and are really good at teaching. I’ve only been involved with music for about a year and a half, but the camp has really helped me with my mariachi skills, especially learning to be a leader and grow more as a person.”