Socorro, Ysleta mariachi bands shine at state competition

Dave Burge
·2 min read
Socorro, Ysleta mariachi bands shine at state competition

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Two high school mariachi groups from Socorro Independent School District and one from Ysleta ISD earned the highest honors at the state competition over the weekend in Seguin, Texas, according to their respective districts.

Left: Americas High School, Socorro ISD Right: Franklin High School, El Paso ISD
Left: Americas High School, Socorro ISD Right: Franklin High School, El Paso ISD

Socorro ISD

The Americas High School Mariachi Los Pioneros and Socorro High School Mariachi Los Gavilanes both earned the Superior Rating Division I trophy at the competition.

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“The ensembles competed among the top mariachi groups in the state, showcasing their outstanding mariachi programs with student musicians who have exceptional vocal and instrumental talents,” SISD said in a news release.

“We are incredibly proud of Los Pioneros and Los Gavilanes for earning a Division 1 rating at state,” said SISD Fine Arts Director Armando Martinez. “This amazing achievement is due to the hard work of our excellent teachers and talented students. We look forward to continuing this high level of excellence in our mariachi programs.”

Los Pioneros is directed by mariachi instructors Jose Luis Rios and Rocio Manriquez, and Los Gavilanes is directed by mariachi instructors Roger Rosales, Juan Gonzalez and Jose Parada.

SISD had five high schools advance to state, the most from any single district in the area, according to SISD.

Ysleta ISD

Hanks High School’s Mariachi Los Trovadores won the Division I Superior Rating for the third year in a row, the district said.

Three other Ysleta ISD mariachi bands from Del Valle, Eastwood and Riverside earned the Division II Excellent rating at the state championships.

In addition Eastwood High’s violin player Mariafernanda Avila earned an Outstanding Performer Medal.

Hanks High School’s Mariachi Los Trovadores is under the direction of Orlando Guerrero.

Del Valle’s Mariachi de Los Conquistadores is under the direction of Valentin Gonzalez.

Eastwood’s Mariachi Reyna is under the direction of Amy Jaquez, Maritza Loya, Javier Loya Jr. and Ana Lisa Portillo.

Riverside’s Mariachi Estrella de Riverside is under the direction of Ramon Acosta, Monica Gutierrez, Jason Lauturner and Angel Hernandez.

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