Texas Border Business
In news that will be music to the ears of students looking for a unique and enriching opportunity, Texas Southmost College’s Fine Arts Department will once again hold their Mariachi Summer Camp, running from July 1-3, 2024, at the TSC Performing Arts Center.
“The summer camp provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their musical skills and focus on their instruments,” said camp organizer Avigai Gonzalez, TSC’s Music Program Administrator and Director of Mariachi Escorpion. “It’s a non-competitive atmosphere in which students from different school districts can receive guidance from skilled clinicians as they learn, play the same music, and build new friendships together.”
Over three days, students will participate in exercises and group clinics taught by an assembly of mariachi experts, all eager to share the benefit of their cumulative years of experience. Among them is master conductor Adrian Vaca, a graduate of Berkeley University and a member of the renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. Clinics will also be led by local talent, including Karina J Vela, Antonio Delgadillo, Aide de Anda, Anahil Suarez Gaytan, Fabiola Ahuja, Doris Zedillo, and Gonzalez herself.
“One of the great benefits of this camp is the personalized learning experience that students will have with the clinicians,” said Gonzalez. “They work closely with each student, ensuring that they are progressing at a comfortable pace.”
Although the clinicians bring several years of experience, Gonzalez stresses that students of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, are encouraged to join in.
“It’s important for students of all levels to participate in the mariachi camp because it creates a perfect opportunity to learn from one another. Regardless of whether one is a beginner or an advanced musician, there is always something to learn, and the true learning experience occurs when we step out of our comfort zones and open ourselves up to learning from others.”
While a large portion of the camp is devoted to teaching students the technical aspects of playing instruments and performing, Gonzalez feels that it offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the rich cultural history of mariachi and spark a genuine interest in exploring the genre further. “When we think about the concept of cultivating a larger interest in mariachi music, one word stands out: opportunity. Our camp can provide all students with a unique opportunity to develop a sincere passion for the music as they learn from leading experts in the field.”
With the Mariachi Summer Camp less than a month away, Gonzalez is eager to see new students join and contribute to an ever-growing chorus of mariachi appreciation and education. “Music is a field that welcomes individuals of all ages, skill levels, and cultural backgrounds. Even the most renowned musicians in history have undergone music education to hone their skills and achieve success, so please don’t hesitate to try, as I believe anyone can embark on a musical journey to discover their true potential.”
For more information or to register, please visit the TSC Mariachi Summer Camp webpage or email avigai.gonzalez@tsc.edu.
About Texas Southmost College
Originally established in 1926, Texas Southmost College currently offers the first two years toward a bachelor’s degree, along with career and technical education leading to certificates and associate degrees, college preparatory studies to prepare students for college-level work, workforce training, and continuing education. TSC offers 50 programs of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
