MARCH 28, 2025 — The powerful, emotive sound of mariachi is more than just music. It’s storytelling, tradition and heart. UTSA Mariachi is hosting its first-ever Voces del Álamo Vocal Competition this weekend, an exciting event designed to celebrate and uplift young mariachi vocalists.
Voces del Álamo will encourage participants to embrace the soul of mariachi, where vocals demand a blend of technical precision, emotional expression and stage presence. The competition, scheduled on March 30, at the School of Music Recital Hall (ART 02.03.02) on the UTSA Main Campus, is open to students in elementary, middle and high school who have a passion for mariachi and a desire to hone their craft. Competitors will be judged in two categories: elementary/middle school and high school.
At Voces del Álamo, young performers will receive expert feedback, develop their artistry and connect with professionals in the field. Competitors will be assessed by a seasoned panel of adjudicators, including a UTSA faculty member with expertise in vocal pedagogy, a professional mariachi vocalist with extensive performance experience and a mariachi ensemble director who understands the intricacies of live performance. This well-rounded approach ensures that each participant receives valuable, constructive feedback, helping them refine their skills and deepen their understanding of mariachi vocal performance.
Finalists in the UTSA competition will compete for cash prizes. First-place winners will receive $300, second-place winners will earn $200 and third-place winners will take home $100. Additionally, the top winners from each age category will receive the honor of opening for the UTSA Mariachi Final Recital on May 6, an opportunity to perform for a larger audience and further solidify their place in the mariachi community.
“Voces del Álamo is set to become a hallmark event for young mariachi vocalists. By blending competition with mentorship and live performance, we’re creating a space where students can grow, learn and take their passion for mariachi to the next level,” said Michael Acevedo, UTSA vocal professor and event organizer. “We’re giving students a chance to refine their skills and receive feedback from professionals who truly understand the art of mariachi singing.”
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