Fort Worth ISD North Side High School’s Mariachi Espuelas de Plata is in San Antonio today for its debut as the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Invited Mariachi Ensemble. Arturo Sandoval, a renowned jazz and classical musician and 10-time Grammy winner, will be joining their performance.
“It’s huge,” said Ramon Niño III, Mariachi Espuelas de Plata head director. “We’re super excited about this performance.”
The concert is slated for today, Thursday, Feb. 9, at San Antonio’s Henry B. González Convention Center during the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention. The ensemble is set to play five songs with Mr. Sandoval, including specially commissioned pieces and sounds unique to Fort Worth and mariachi education, during the 50-minute set.
Mariachi Espuelas de Plata’s TMEA appearance with Mr. Sandoval marks several firsts for the ensemble.
This is the first time an invited mariachi ensemble is performing with a guest artist. Mariachi Espuelas de Plata also becomes the first mariachi outside South Texas to perform in the TMEA Invited Mariachi Ensemble concert slot.
In addition to the TMEA Invited Mariachi Ensemble concert, North Side senior Nestor Aguado has been selected top mariachi guitar for the All-State Mariachi ensemble. North Side junior Ramiro Rabago, who was selected as the state’s 10th overall violin player, will serve as an All-State Mariachi alternate. The All-State Mariachi ensemble is slated to perform for TMEA attendees Feb. 11.
The TMEA convention is one of the nation’s premier events for current and future music educators. The annual event offerings include more than 200 music education clinics, exhibits, and 100 music performances from student musicians at every grade level.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, by following our guidelines.
