TAME NEWSLETTER

TAME October 2026 Newsletter

Letter from the President

Dear TAME Family,

Thank you for your continued dedication to mariachi education and for being part of the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators. It is exciting to see mariachi education expanding across Texas as we create opportunities for students to grow musically, academically, and culturally. Together, we are making a lasting impact!

2026–2027 Regional Contest Dates

Please mark your calendars for our confirmed regional contests:

• Central: January 30, 2027 — Seguin High School

• South: February 6, 2027 — Valley View Performing Arts Center

• East: April 3, 2027 — Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA)

We extend a special thank-you to Martin Longoria and the Kinder HSPVA administration for hosting the East Region Contest for the second consecutive year of our pilot program.

North and West Region dates and locations are still being finalized. Please watch for upcoming announcements.

Remember, regional contests offer opportunities for Middle School programs and High School programs seeking Area qualification. High School Varsity and JV programs may choose an in-person regional contest instead of a virtual entry. Please review the current TAME handbook for all requirements.

Membership and Registration Reminders

Membership late fees begin November 1, 2026. Please complete your membership registration and payment before the deadline to avoid additional fees. Visit the TAME website for registration information and contest updates.

I'm Here to Support You!

I will be available via Zoom Monday through Friday, 3:00–4:00 p.m., October 12 through November 19, to answer questions and assist with TAME-related matters.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

Please reach out with questions about membership, contests, the handbook, or other association matters. Open communication and support are essential to our continued growth as a TAME family.

Looking Ahead: State Contest and Committees

The 2027 TAME State Mariachi Contest will take place April 29–May 1, 2027, at Somerset Performing Arts Center. We look forward to celebrating the hard work and talent of our students and directors!

TAME also welcomes volunteers for our 0–4, Middle School, High School, Sound and AV, and Handbook committees. All committee meetings will take place through Zoom. Your participation and ideas help shape the future of our association.

Finally, visit the TAME website and explore the 2025–2026 State Contest photo archives under the Archives section to celebrate our students' accomplishments and preserve our history.

Thank you for everything you do for your students and for mariachi education. Let us continue welcoming new programs, supporting one another, and expanding opportunities for students across Texas.

Wishing you a wonderful October filled with growth, beautiful music, and meaningful moments with your students!

Warmest Regards,

Velma Salas-Garcia
TAME Board President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators
tameinformation@gmail.com

https://www.tamemariachi.com/

The 2026–2027 TAME Handbook has been updated following the approval of the membership during the Annual Meeting.

Several revisions were made to improve both the director and student experience, clarify contest procedures, and strengthen consistency throughout our events.

In addition:

• The Middle School Handbook has now been fully aligned with the official TAME Handbook.
• The 0–4 Year Emerging Division Handbook has also been aligned with the TAME Handbook.

We strongly encourage every director to carefully review the updated handbooks before contest season begins.

OFFICIAL DATE: April 29 – May 1, 2027

@ Somerset Performing Arts Center (Somerset PAC)

We encourage directors to reserve these dates now as they begin planning their spring calendars.

Regional Contest Dates

Some Regional contest dates are currently being finalized with our contest hosts and board members. As soon as confirmations have been received, the official dates and locations will be posted on the TAME website and shared through our newsletters and social media platforms.

OFFICIAL DATE: January 30th, 2026

@ Seguin High School Performing Arts Center

Deadline to Register before any late fees: TBA

OFFICIAL DATE: February 6th, 2026

@ Valley View Performing Arts Center

Deadline to Register before any late fees: TBA

OFFICIAL DATE: April 3, 2026

Deadline to Register before any late fees: TBA

OFFICIAL DATE: TBA

@ TBA

Deadline to Register before any late fees: TBA

OFFICIAL DATE: TBA

@ TBA

Deadline to Register before any late fees: TBA

DEADLINE FOR TAME MEMBERSHIP BEFORE LATE FEES: NOVEMBER 1ST

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER

YOU MUST BE A MEMBER IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE

WE ARE NOW OPENING THE HIGH SCHOOL AREA CATEGORY TO QUALIFY FOR STATE!

DEADLINE FOR GROUP REGISTRATION (WITH LATE FEES COMMENCE): DECEMBER 1ST

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER