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.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Each fall and spring semester, students convene at the Main Campus at UTSA with booths, ideas and prototypes. A crowd of judges, local organizations, students, faculty and sponsors walk around and talk to the students about their projects and ask questions. Students get the real-life experience of "pitching" their project with hopes of getting funding or support to move to the next level.
UTSA Convocation Center, Main CampusJoin the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
