TAME NEWSLETTER

Letter from the President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators

Dear TAME Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that the first few weeks of the school year have been both smooth and rewarding. Starting a new academic year always brings fresh challenges and opportunities, and I want to take a moment to remind everyone of something equally important—your well-being. As educators and musicians, we often pour so much of ourselves into our students and programs that it’s easy to overlook our own mental health. Please know that if you ever find yourself in need of support, guidance, or simply a listening ear, your board is here for you.

Together, we are stronger.

We are also thrilled to share an exciting milestone: the official dates for the first- Middle School Mariachi Contest (Please see below the newsletter for the dates). This is a historic step forward for our community, and we cannot wait to see the incredible talent our middle school students will bring to the stage. Venues and times will be shared with all members soon through flyers and on our newly revamped website. We hope that it makes it more user-friendly and accessible for everyone. As we move forward, we will continue to add new features, including incentives and upcoming projects designed to enrich our membership experience. We want this to be a true hub for resources, inspiration, and connection.

Finally, we are excited to let you know that this newsletter will now also be posted directly on our website. That way, if you ever miss an email, you can always catch up on important news and updates at your convenience.

Thank you for being part of this growing community and for everything you do to keep mariachi music alive and thriving in our schools. Here’s to a year filled with music, growth, and shared successes.

Con cariño y respeto,

Velma Salas-Garcia

President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators

Tameinformation@gmail.com

https://www.tamemariachi.com/

Brownsville, Texas, a city known for its rich cultural traditions and deep ties to Mexico, is making history by officially becoming home to six mariachi programs. This milestone not only highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its heritage but also showcases the growing recognition of mariachi as a vital part of education, identity, and community pride.

For generations, Brownsville has celebrated its cultural roots through iconic events such as Charro Days, a tradition dating back to 1938 that honors the friendship between Brownsville and its sister city, Matamoros. Charro Days is more than a festival—it is a living testament to binational unity, complete with parades, folkloric dances, and mariachi music filling the air.

From Charro Days blossomed Sombrero Fest, which adds modern flair while keeping tradition alive. This event has long provided a stage for mariachi ensembles, giving young musicians the chance to share their artistry with thousands of community members and visitors alike.

Adding to the city’s unique cultural identity is the Mr. Amigo Association, which celebrates friendship and cultural exchange by honoring a distinguished individual each year who has contributed to the bond between the U.S. and Mexico. This tradition has brought international recognition to Brownsville while keeping mariachi music and Mexican culture at the heart of the celebration.

Now, with six official mariachi programs thriving in its schools, Brownsville stands as a model for how tradition can be woven into modern education. These ensembles not only train talented musicians but also instill discipline, teamwork, and cultural pride in students. Each program represents a living bridge between past and future, ensuring that the sounds of the guitarrón, vihuela, violins, and trumpets will continue to echo through Brownsville’s streets and stages for generations to come.

By embracing mariachi in its schools and in its community celebrations, Brownsville is more than making history—it is securing its legacy as a cultural leader where music, heritage, and education come together in harmony.

Brownsville, TX – Texas Southmost College (TSC) is striking a new chord in music education with the launch of its mariachi program, led by Professor Avigai Gonzalez, a Rio Grande Valley native whose career in both classical and mariachi music has made her a respected educator, performer, and advocate for the genre.

Professor Gonzalez, the college’s Mariachi Director and Program Administrator, brings an impressive background to TSC. A graduate of the University of Texas-Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in music education (2009), she has performed with the South Texas Lyric Opera as a Lyric Soprano and has been a professional mariachi singer since the age of 13, performing with Mariachi Margaritas. In addition to her performing career, Gonzalez holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and is currently pursuing her doctorate in the same field. Beyond the stage and classroom, she has co-founded several mariachi associations dedicated to advancing mariachi education across Texas and beyond.

At Texas Southmost College, Gonzalez leads with passion and vision. “Our mariachi program is just getting started, and we want to give our students the very best experience,” Gonzalez said. “TSC is a welcoming place that feels like home, and we are building a program that reflects both excellence and tradition. My why and motivation is the future of mariachi education in our community.”

Progress in Mariachi Education

When asked about the growth of mariachi in Brownsville and at TSC, Gonzalez shared:

“We’ve been fortunate to receive incredible support from the TSC Board of Trustees, TSC staff and faculty, community members, and my wonderful mariachi committee, all of whom believe this initiative will positively impact students’ lives. As a result of these efforts and the mariachi festival, we now have five beginner mariachi programs at BISD, with more programs expected to launch in other school districts soon. It’s been a very rewarding journey.

We have also just launched an Associate’s Degree in Music at TSC, and we couldn’t be prouder. Over the past years, we’ve been fortunate to have an amazing team dedicated to supporting this project.”

Opportunities for Students

TSC offers over 50 associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training courses, including the Associate’s Degree in Music—one of the most affordable options in the Rio Grande Valley. Students who join the mariachi program are not required to audition; instead, the program invites anyone with a joyful spirit, musical ability, and passion for mariachi to join.

In addition, TSC provides numerous scholarship opportunities to help students pursue their education. Scholarships range from merit-based awards recognizing academic achievement or talent to need-based scholarships designed to ensure higher education remains accessible.

Looking Ahead

The excitement doesn’t stop in the classroom. TSC is preparing to host major events that will spotlight the program and mariachi culture, including the TSC Mariachi Festival (April 17–18, 2026) and the TSC Mariachi Summer Camp (June 3–5, 2026). Both events will provide students with opportunities to perform, connect, and grow as musicians in a supportive environment.

With mariachi deeply rooted in the traditions of the Rio Grande Valley, the program at TSC represents more than just music lessons—it’s an opportunity to celebrate culture, build community, and prepare the next generation of mariachi performers and educators.

Contact Information

For more information about the program, degrees, and scholarships, or to get involved with mariachi at TSC, please reach out to:

Professor Avigai Gonzalez
Mariachi Director & Program Administrator
📧 Email: Avigai.gonzalez@tsc.edu
📞 Phone: (956) 685-0263

Additional details, degree offerings, and scholarship information can be found on the TSC website.

OFFICIAL DATE: April 30th- May 2nd

@ Somerset Performing Arts Center

OFFICIAL DATE: December 19-20th

Venue: TBA

OFFICIAL DATE: January 10th

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OFFICIAL DATE: February 7th

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OFFICIAL DATE: April 11th

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