November 18th, 2009
Mariachi academy to compete in San Antonio

Mariachi Bondad will be performing at the library.

STAFF REPORT

The San Marcos Mariachi Academy is preparing for a competition in San Antonio on Friday. In preparation, the academy performed Wednesday night at the San Marcos Public Library.

Students from the intermediate group, Mariachi Humilidad, and the advanced class, Mariachi Bondad, will be competing.

The academy has garnered prestige and draws students not only from San Marcos but also San Antonio, Lockhart, Wimberley, Kyle, Austin and even as far away as Uvalde. The school works with more than 50 students on a weekly basis. That number swells to 80 during a two-week sumer camp.

The academy’s achievements include second place at MariachiFest in Orlando in 2007, third place at Fiesta del Mariachi in San Marcos in 2008 and third place at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza in San Antonio. The players were the subject of a documentary, “What Sounds Fast,” in 2006, and have been featured in numerous articles and television segments.

The website, mariachiporvida.com, is a source for mariachi and ballet folklorico supplies, as well as a rich source of advice, tips and news on festivals and competitions. Where else could you find out how to clean your Nubuk Botines (kind of like a “Beatle Boot” for mariachis) with Pine-Sol?

The ensemble is recording a CD and plans to represent San Marcos on an international level in concerts and contests. For more information, visit the website or call (512) 353-2007.