As Mariachi Nuevo Santander gave an interactive presentation, Director Eloy Garza explained the history of mariachi music and its significance to both the Mexican and Mexican-American cultures. First up in Ann Arbor was an Engaging Performance for undergraduate students at the University of Michigan at the Michigan Union building.
FROZEN SING ALONG ANN ARBOR FULL
Dedicated “to inspire individuals and enrich communities by connecting audiences and artist in uncommon and engaging experiences”, UMS is committed to connecting audiences with performing artists from around the world, and their Education and Community Engagement staff had a full week of activities planned for Mariachi Nuevo Santander throughout the Ann Arbor, Flint and Detroit areas.Īs the bus arrived on February 10 th to pick us for our first day of activities the students from Nuevo Santander, with instruments in tow, were nervous but readily awaited to see what was in store for them. Some might ask, what exactly is UMS? Housed on the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus, UMS is recipient of the 2014 National Medal of the Arts and one of the oldest performing arts presenters in the United States. On February 9 th, 2020, prepared for the life changing trip that awaited them, the sixteen members of Mariachi Nuevo Santander and their three directors flew from the Rio Grande Valley to begin their week long UMS residency in Ann Arbor, Michigan. All of our hard work and dedication proved to be worth it in that moment” said Junior Julie Hernandez. “As soon as we heard “Nuevo Santander”, we all stood up and hugged the person nearest to us with tears in our eyes. The satisfaction of winning and demonstrating to everyone that our mariachi group really put in the work to earn the victory is something I’ll never forget.” “Not only was it my first time experiencing a 1 st place win at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza, but it was also the first time I realized that hard work does actually pay off. “For months the whole mariachi had been putting a major amount of hard work and dedicated time to earn this achievement, and thankfully we were able to accomplish it” explained Sophomore Francisco Garcia, Jr. This performance is what earned them back their title naming them champion of the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National High School Group Competition and the life-changing opportunity to spend a week long artist residency with the University Musical Society (UMS) in Ann Arbor, MI. Featuring tremendous harmonies from nine vocalists and solos from each instrument section this piece is the crown jewel that threw their performance to the top of the leaderboard. The audience cheers them on and they begin their final song El Siquisiri. “ San-tan-der, ha llegado su mariachi…” from their Tema energizes the auditorium as they transition into the song El Coleadero. Lead violinist Ernesto Saldaña brings in the group and in those first five notes magic has already started to happen. As the MC announces their name they walk on stage with their chins up and radiant smiles, their presence is one of determination and assuredness.
The last group up is Mariachi Nuevo Santander of Roma High School. One group in particular however was on a very unique mission, this day would be the day to take back their 5x National Champion title. This year’s prize for the 1 st place high school group included the added bonus of an all-expense paid trip to open for Mariachi Vargas in February 2020 at the prestigious Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, Michigan!Īs each of the top 7 high school groups took the stage, a unique thunder of energy filled the Lila Cockrell Auditorium.
Each student performer knows that winning the elusive 1 st place title doesn’t only earn them bragging rights, it also means that they will get to open for the world famous Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán at the grand gala concert in the evening! That in its own is icing on the cake but the prize this year contained an element that had never been offered before in Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza history. Of over 25 high school groups that competed the previous night, the top 7 await their chance to compete again for Mariachi Vargas.
It’s December 7 th, 2019 and the 25 th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National High School Group Finals are about to take place.
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