TAME NEWSLETTER

Letter from the President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators

October 5, 2025

Dearest TAME Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that you have had a successful and rewarding month of September. As we transition into October, we embrace a time in our culture that is filled with reflection, love, and remembrance. Día de los Muertos reminds us to honor those who came before us—our loved ones whose legacies continue to shape who we are today. We understand the tremendous amount of dedication and passion that goes into our craft. Countless rehearsals, performances, and planning sessions often take us away from our own families and personal lives. It’s easy to become immersed in the whirlwind of responsibilities.

However, I encourage each of you to take a moment to step back and find balance. Remember that your family—whether by blood or by bond—remains a constant source of strength, love, and support. They are the ones cheering you on quietly in the background, celebrating your victories, and lifting you when the days feel long.

Take time this month to let them know how much they mean to you. Share a meal, enjoy a conversation, or simply be present. Life’s pressing matters will always be there—but the moments we share with loved ones are precious and irreplaceable.

I’m also excited to share a few important updates:

• 📘 TAME Handbook: Attached to this newsletter is the updated TAME. Handbook. It is also available on our website for your convenience. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you.

• 📝 Memberships Are Now Open: Membership registration is officially underway! The deadline to register before late fees are applied is November 1st. Don’t wait—renew or join today to stay connected and take advantage of all the benefits of being part of TAME.

• 🎶 Special Giveaway – Scroll Down! An anonymous mariachi director has generously donated two arrangements of your choice from Mariachi Guru's Shopify! To participate in the drawing, you must be a current TAME member. More details on the drawing will be shared soon, so be sure to scroll down and stay tuned!

Thank you for everything you do to uplift our mariachi students, our programs, and our culture. May this month be filled with meaningful connections and well-deserved moments of rest.

Con cariño,

Velma Salas-Garcia

President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators

Tameinformation@gmail.com

https://www.tamemariachi.com/

Vice President II – Texas Association of Mariachi Educators

TMEA REGION 6 Director
Mariachi Program Coordinator – Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland

Director of Mariachi – Midland College

The Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland proudly highlights Francisco Carreón, a distinguished leader, educator, and musician, who continues to make a remarkable impact in the mariachi community.

A native of Odessa, Texas, Francisco has been immersed in the world of mariachi music since the age of 12. A versatile instrumentalist, he has performed and led workshops both as a guest artist and as a member of renowned ensembles such as Mariachi Aztlán of the University of Texas–Rio Grande Valley, Mariachi Los Arrieros Del Valle, and Mariachi Los Toros.

His musical journey has taken him to stages across the nation and internationally, including Houston, El Paso, Midland, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Chicago, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Nashville, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Tucson, Las Vegas, and throughout Mexico—including Guadalajara, Mexico City, Colima, and Sinaloa. Over the years, Francisco has accompanied celebrated artists such as Pablo Montero, Pedro Fernández, Diego Verdaguer, Laura Zapata, Juan Valentín, and Paquita la del Barrio.

Francisco’s dedication to education is equally impressive. He has served as a full-time Mariachi Educator for both Ector County Independent School District and San Angelo Independent School District, where he helped shape and grow successful mariachi programs. For the past three years, he has also led the Annual Mariachi Workshops and Concerts at the Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland as Program Chair.

Most recently, Francisco accepted the position of Director of Mariachi at Midland College, expanding his leadership into higher education.

As Vice President II of the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators, Francisco continues to inspire students, educators, and communities across Texas and beyond. We are proud to celebrate his achievements and his unwavering commitment to the growth and preservation of mariachi music.

Congratulations and we are all proud of you!!!

This month we highlight Texas A&M University–Kingsville, School of Music and the work of Javier Salinas, M.M. — Lecturer of Latin American Music Studies, Director of Mariachi Javelina, and Director of the Latin Jazz Ensemble.

TAMUK offers unique opportunities for students pursuing mariachi and Latin American music. Under the direction of Prof. Salinas, Mariachi Javelina continues to grow as a premier university ensemble, providing students with high-level performance training and community engagement.

Mariachi Opportunities at TAMUK include:

• Ensembles:

  • MUSI 1133: Mariachi (Mondays 7–10 PM)

  • MUSI 3133: Mariachi Javelina (by audition, Tues/Thurs 7:30–8:45 PM)

• Mariachi Pedagogy Minor with courses such as:

  • Mariachi Armonia

  • Mariachi Melodia

  • History of Borderland Music

  • Mariachi Arranging

  • Mariachi Pedagogy

Auditions take place the first week of classes and consist of vocal, instrumental, and sight-reading excerpts (released 2–3 weeks prior). Announcements are shared via Facebook, Instagram, and student email.

Scholarships are available through the School of Music for qualified students.

With its mission to transform lives and cultivate leaders, Texas A&M University–Kingsville continues to open doors for students who want to pursue mariachi at the collegiate level while receiving a world-class education.

📧 For more information, contact Javier Salinas at javier.salinas@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4543.

🔗 Explore programs and degree offerings:

• School of Music Degrees

• Mariachi Pedagogy Minor

• Music Minor

A generous Mariachi Director who wishes to remain anonymous has donated two arrangements of your choice from Mariachi Guru’s Shopify to the Texas Association of Mariachi Educators!

Special thanks to the anonymous mariachi director that would offer this great donation to the association!

To enter the drawing:
1️⃣ Be a current TAME member

2️⃣ Complete the Google Form below

👉 [Google Form Link Here]

Don’t miss your chance to win this special gift!

Live drawing will be done at the end of the month!

OFFICIAL DATE: April 30th- May 2nd

@ Somerset Performing Arts Center

OFFICIAL DATE: December 19-20th

Venue: Riverside HS

OFFICIAL DATE: January 10th

@ Somerset Performing Arts Center

OFFICIAL DATE: February 7th

@ Valley View Performing Arts Center

OFFICIAL DATE: April 11th

@ South Grand Prairie High School

OFFICIAL DATE: March 21st

@ Kinder HSPVA

DEADLINE FOR TAME MEMBERSHIP BEFORE LATE FEES: NOVEMBER 1ST

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A MEMBER