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Region Mariachi Contest Information

Region Assignments

All mariachi ensembles shall participate in the region contest according to the following assignments:

Region Name Regions Site Date Contest Chair
Hill Country 11,12,18,26,29,32 Warren HS February 7, 2026 Rey Meza
Coastal Bend 9,10,13,14,17,19,23,27,33 Robstown HS January 24, 2026 Bill Cason
North Texas 2,3,4,5,8,20,21,24,25,30,31 Northside HS January 24, 2026 Russ Sanders
Rio Grande Valley 15,28 La Joya ISD PAC January 24, 2026 Ruben Adame
West Texas 1,6,7,16,22 Eastwood HS January 31, 2026 Bruce Beach

Region Contest Completion Deadline: Saturday, February 7, 2026

Each of the five contest sites shall be determined by the region executive committees with participating mariachi ensembles. 

Rules

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

Entry Requirements

Each participating ensemble will be assessed an entry fee as determined by the contest chair. Other entry requirements, including deadlines, will be determined by the contest chair. 

Eligibility

Mariachi ensembles representing any UIL member high school may enter the region contest in either the traditional or experimental category. Any ensemble not meeting these requirements is subject to disqualification. Each school may designate each participating ensemble as either varsity or non-varsity. Only one ensemble from a school may be designated as varsity. 

Traditional Category (Event Code 900)

Conforms to traditional mariachi instrumentation and part distribution as follows. The ensemble must consist of a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 performers which includes at least: 3 Violins, 1 Trumpet, 1 Guitarron, 1 Vihuela, and 1 Guitar. Vocalists are optional; however, if utilized, must be instrumentalists performing in the ensemble. Any other combination of instruments may be added to the above instrumentation.

Experimental Category (Event Code 910)

Demonstrates the mariachi performance tradition but with no instrumentation requirements. The ensemble must consist of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 24 performers that includes any combination of traditional and non-­­traditional mariachi instruments and vocalists.

Advancement to State

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. 

Admission Fee

Performances will be open to the general public. An admission fee may be charged. Performers, directors, and school administrators will receive complimentary admission.

Schedule

Ensembles will be scheduled by conference and category (varsity or nonvarsity and experimental or traditional) 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 and time will be kept backstage by the official

Music Scores

Directors are to check in at the contest 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 written critique from a panel of three judges.

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

Awards

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