TAME NEWSLETTER
November 1st- November 30th

NOVEMBER TAME NEWSLETTER! 🪅
Letter from the President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators
November 5, 2025
We are so excited to kick off this new season! Our Middle School guidelines are now in place, and the TAME Handbook is live on our website. Even more exciting, we’re welcoming new members from new territories — our organization is growing stronger than ever!
We’re also hard at work creating guidelines for the 0–4 Emerging Divisions and developing rubrics to ensure transparency in how judges evaluate performances.
Registration deadlines are now being firmly implemented, with payments accepted through Square or by mail. To stay on track, scroll down to the contest information and make sure you’re up to date with all deadlines.
Please complete the Judges Suggestions Form so we can begin selecting judges early and include any new potential candidates for consideration.
Thank you for your dedication to your students and to the future of mariachi education. Let’s make this a year full of music, growth, and connection!,
Velma Salas-Garcia
President
Texas Association of Mariachi Educators
Comprehensive Resources
Vendor Spotlight: Supporting the Backbone of Mariachi Education
Professional Development/Opportunities
Viva! La Musica de Mariachi Festival
Noche de Mariachi
Remembering Two of Mexico's Iconic Singers
Upcoming TAME Contests!
Fees and Deadlines
Area Contest: Varsity Mariachi-Area Contest Fee $300.00
JV/Non-Varsity-Area Contest Fee $250.00
MS/JH Mariachi-Area Contest Fee $250.00 (if applicable)
State Contest: Varsity Mariachi-State Contest Fee $400.00
JV/Non-Varsity-State Contest Fee $300
Rosendo Ramos
Maria Guadalupe Vargas Garcia
Juan Carlos Sigala
Spotlight on Leadership & Excellence: Roma Mariachi Performing at TFAA
University Connections
Aggieland Mariachi Makes History at Texas A&M University
For the first time in history, Aggieland Mariachi has officially become a class within the University Orchestras program at Texas A&M University. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the university’s music department, celebrating the inclusion of mariachi as an academic and cultural cornerstone on campus.
With this newfound standing, Aggieland Mariachi aims to share the beauty, pride, and tradition of mariachi music with both the campus and the surrounding community. The ensemble’s mission extends beyond performance—it’s about representing heritage, unity, and the vibrant spirit of Mexican culture that resonates deeply within Texas and beyond.
In their recent concert, ¡Canta, Vicente!, the group delivered a heartfelt tribute through a stunning lineup of classics that included:
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El Rey
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Acá Entre Nos
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La Ley del Monte
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Amor de los Dos
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No Me Sé Rajar
Their performance not only captivated audiences but also highlighted the ensemble’s passion and dedication to preserving mariachi traditions while inspiring a new generation of Aggies to embrace cultural diversity through music.
As Aggieland Mariachi continues to grow, their presence stands as a testament to Texas A&M’s expanding musical landscape—where tradition meets innovation, and every note celebrates identity, pride, and community.
Congrats Mark Hillegass Jr
CONGRATS MARK HILLEGASS JR ON THE OCTOBER GIVEAWAY!!!
PLEASE CONTACT TAME AND Mariachi Guru’s Shopify ON YOUR TWO ARRANGEMENTS OF YOUR CHOICE!
Special thanks again to the anonymous mariachi director that would offer this great donation to the association!
Polls and Surveys
Contest Corner: Details, Deadlines, and Opportunities
TAME STATE CONTEST
OFFICIAL DATE: April 30th- May 2nd
@ Somerset Performing Arts Center
February 2nd, 2026: Area Registration Deadline
February 27th, 2026: State Registration @ 11:59 PM
Late registration with Sunday March 1, 2026
Drawing Monday March 2, 2026
MS REGIONAL CONTEST/HS AREA - West Texas
OFFICIAL DATE: December 20th
Venue: Riverside HS
Deadline to Register before any late fees is December 6th, 2025
MS REGIONAL CONTEST - CENTRAL
OFFICIAL DATE: January 10th
@ Somerset Performing Arts Center
Deadline to Register before any late fees is December 27th, 2025
MS REGIONAL CONTEST - SOUTH
OFFICIAL DATE: February 7th
@ Valley View Performing Arts Center
Deadline to Register before any late fees is January 24th, 2025
MS REGIONAL CONTEST - EAST
OFFICIAL DATE: March 21st
@ Kinder HSPVA
Deadline to Register before any late fees is March 7th, 2025
MS REGIONAL CONTEST - NORTH
OFFICIAL DATE: April 11th
@ South Grand Prairie High School
Deadline to Register before any late fees is March 28th, 2025
