Kingsville, Kleberg County, TAMUK well represented at Mariachi event

Editor,

During the weekend of Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, I was fortunate to be a volunteer at an annual event called Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio. Mariachi Vargas is considered one of the top, if not the best, Mariachi groups in the world.

While the event features Mariachi events through the entire week, Friday, during the day, is set aside for young Mariachi musicians to receive one on one instruction from members of the professional group Mariachi Vargas. These young musicians get to receive individual instruction on guitar, violin, bajo sexto etc. In addition, aspiring vocalists also get individual instruction from the mariachi members. This year aspiring vocalists also got instruction from Nydia Rojas, a 29 year old female Mariachi singer from California. Nydia is also well known in the Mariachi world as one of the best.

The ages of participants range from elementary, middle, high school to university level.

On Friday evening the event turns to the competition of Mariachi groups in their respective age and school groups. And this is a wonderful experience. From elementary level competition to university level, the groups are awesome. Elementary, middle and high school level participants are escorted by their respective school instructors and the local school district provides transportation for most of them. The spirit of competition is tough, but all the groups are courteous and respectful to each other. First, second and third place trophies are awarded to the top three groups at each level. The first place groups get to perform at the concert on Saturday, opening for Mariachi Vargas.

On Saturday morning the competition now turns to highlight the vocalist competitors. Again, the individuals are competing within their own age and school groups. First, second and third place are awarded in this competition also. The vocalist rated the highest then also opens for Mariachi Vargas.

The competition is tough and all the competitors are very, very good. The judges are members of the Mariachi Vargas group for both the group and vocal competitions. In addition Nydia Rojas was a judge for the vocal competition.

As I mentioned before it gave me great pride to be part of an event where the tradition of Mariachi music is being kept alive by young people from throughout the State of Texas and even from out of state. There were groups from Harvard and California that traveled to compete as well. It is worthwhile to mention that the group from Harvard was truly diversified. Their group members included twin brothers from China that are classical violinists and two Anglo females. And they could all sing in Spanish!!

The main point of this letter is that Kingsville was well represented! In its 15th year, this event has been brought to San Antonio by Cynthia Munoz (owner of MPR – Munoz Public Relations) who stems from Kingsville also!

There were five vocalist from Kingsville competing. Catherine Gonzalez competed at the middle school level; her brother Juan Carlos Gonzalez, and Juan Flores also competed in the high school level; Michelle Davila and Xenia Adrian competed at the university level. All of them are outstanding vocalists and should be commended for their willingness to compete and strive to keep the art of Mariachi music alive.

While Catherine, Juan Carlos, Juan and Michelle did not place, Xenia was awarded first place at the university level. Catherine has competed and placed at a similar event in Corpus Christi and Xenia has competed before at this same event and had placed second both in elementary and in high school.

The high school group that won first place was from Cotulla – directed by former Kingsville resident Elio Ramirez, Jr.

In the group competition the Mariachi Javelina from Texas A&MKingsville also participated.

Their group tied for third place. An excellent group with outstanding students represented the University. I urge the community to go and hear them when possible!

Kingsville and Kleberg County citizens need to be aware that there are lots and lots of talented young people in their community.

Being part of the event gives me so much pride to meet and mingle with all these great young people who wish to keep the tradition and value of Mariachi music alive.

Thank you. Armida “Middy” Muñoz

Texans robbed of championship

Editor:

I am an avid supporter of the middle school “Pop Warner” Texans team.

Two of my best friend’s sons, John Henry Vela and Michael Carrales, play on this team. These young boys and fellow team-mates worked very hard to reach the final (Super Bowl) game against the Falfurrias Longhorns, which was played on Saturday, Nov. 21.

With Falfurrias leading 7-6 in the fourth quarter, the Texans, on the last play of the game with two seconds left, ran the ball 80 yards for a touchdown, with no flags thrown for any penalties.

The referees called the play back, thus voiding the touchdown, and literally giving the Longhorns a win that was not deserved.

It was obvious to all the spectators that the Texans won the game and are true “Super Bowl” winners.

It was evident that the referees, for reasons unknown, displayed favoritism to the visiting Longhorns.

I congratulate each and every Texan player for an outstanding season, and I say the Texans are the true champions.

Texans, You’re The Best!

Valde Hernandez