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State Mariachi Festival Information

Rules

Each performing ensemble shall follow the published rules of the state mariachi festival, including performance regulations, instrumentation, and music scores. Any ensemble not meeting these requirements shall be subject to disqualification. 

Entry Requirements

(1) Entry for each ensemble shall be completed within 2 business days after the ensemble’s assigned region contest.

(2) Each ensemble will be assessed an entry fee. 

Eligibility

Any varsity ensemble in the traditional category receiving an overall Division 1 rating at the current year’s assigned region contest is eligible to advance to the state mariachi festival. Non-varsity ensembles are not eligible to advance to the state festival and varsity ensembles receiving an overall Division 1 rating in the experimental category are not eligible to advance to the state festival. 

Repertoire

Repertoire must include a son in the style of son jalisciense. At least one other selection (may be included in a medley) must be performed and should be in a contrasting style. 

Schedule

Ensembles will be scheduled at 15-minute intervals as follows:

3 minutes: set up and complete sound check
1 minute: announcement
10 minutes: maximum performance time (no minimum)
1 minute: stage exit

A Festival Compliance Official (FCO) will have a Performance Compliance List (included) and time will be kept back stage by the official.

Music Scores

Upon arrival at the festival, directors are to check in at the festival office and provide three sets of music scores. The scores are to be published or computer generated with measures numbered and in standard published score format. Scores are to include all parts, including vocal part(s) and lyrics.

Adjudication

(1) Each ensemble will receive a recorded critiques from a panel of three judges.

(2) Each ensemble will receive a rating of Division I, II, III, IV, or V from each of the three judges. An overall rating will be assigned based on the formula outlined in Section 1112 of the Constitution and Contest Rules.

Clinic

Each ensemble will receive a 30-minute clinic with a nationally recognized mariachi educator/performer at the conclusion of their performance. The focus of this interaction will be on musicianship and the artistry of making music.

Concert Attendance

Each mariachi ensemble will be expected to structure a schedule that will enable the students to listen to the performance of at least two other performing groups over the course of the day.

Awards

(1) Each ensemble receiving an overall rating of Division 1 will receive a group award as well as individual gold medals for each member

(2) Each ensemble receiving an overall rating other than Division 1 will receive a distinguished performance award.

(3) At the option of the judging panel, individual performers and/or sections of each ensemble may be honored for exemplary musical achievement and receive a draped state gold medal.