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¡Viva Mariachi Festival at Napa Valley College!

Dates:  Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7, 2024

Times: 

  • Saturday evening concert (7 pm)
  • Saturday mariachi music workshops- FREE (8:30-3:30 pm) - Registration required.
  • Sunday matinee concert (1 pm)

Location: Performing Arts Center (PAC), Bldg. 100

¡Viva Mariachi! at Napa Valley College offers a unique opportunity for our community to learn how these programs are thriving throughout the U.S because of their effective role in student success, all while enriching the cultural vitality and musical traditions of their institutions and surrounding communities.

In our efforts to increase cultural awareness and provide students an opportunity to experience and safeguard cultural traditions, Napa Valley College will also be offering a Music 280 (78413) Instrument Performance Seminar (1 unit credit class) this semester that will be associated with the Viva Mariachi mariachi workshops on Saturday.  For more information on enrolling in this class, see the Spring 2024 Schedule of Classes or contact the instructor directly.

Buy Tickets HERE

2024 LINEUP

Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Monaco Middle School, Las Vegas, NV

Returning by popular demand is Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Monaco Middle School, a dynamic ensemble composed of 21 talented students led by their five musical directors: Ramiro Benavides Jr., Daniel Valdez, Perry Chacon, Antonio Rodriguez, and Yuleisy Inzunza.

Established in 2002, this mariachi music program stands as one of the largest in the nation, consistently garnering national-level awards and recognition through captivating performances in Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas. Notably, this past June, Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Monaco Middle School has received the prestigious invitation to showcase their musical prowess in the heart of New York City at one of the world's most distinguished venues.

Year after year, members of Mariachi Los Gavilanes have earned coveted spots in the CCSD Honor Mariachis and the NMEA All-State Middle School Mariachi ensemble. Their musical journey has seen them share the stage with iconic artists such as the Temptations and the Four Tops. Additionally, they have had the honor of performing for esteemed figures like Mayor Goodman, Carlos Santana, Senator Harry Reid, and various members of Congress. A notable highlight includes an exclusive invitation to perform at the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence at Pixar Studios.

Guided by their dedicated mariachi directors, the primary mission of our mariachi program is to elevate the standards of Mariachi music education and foster a deep appreciation for the rich heritage of mariachi music.

Mariachi Plata from College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas

Mariachi Plata defended their title of reigning champions--for the third year in a row--in the 2023 Mariachi Extravaganza that took place on December in San Antonio Texas. One of their female vocalist, Yasmine Dueñes, also won the  Overall Grand Champion vocalist during this national competition.d their title this year. 

Founded in 2018, the group, based at the College of Southern Nevada, has swiftly become a mariachi powerhouse. The Extravaganza, in its 29th year, is a premier mariachi competition where Mariachi Plata competes against top schools nationwide.

Led by Director Perry Chacon, Mariachi Plata comprises 18 talented students who embody dedication to musical excellence.

Beyond the stage, Mariachi Plata is a symbol of inspiration within the Las Vegas Mariachi community, motivating young students to pursue higher education and artistic excellence. Their success underscores the fusion of cultural heritage and academic achievement, shaping the aspirations of the next generation. In this way, Mariachi Plata contributes to the cultural richness of the Las Vegas Mariachi community and beyond.

Mariachi del Valle from Davis Senior High School, Davis, CA

Founded in 2018, Mariachi del Valle is the first school based Mariachi course to be offered in any school district in Yolo County. Founded as an outgrowth of the popular Mariachi Puente program developed by Hiram and Ximena Jackson, Mariachi del Valle has been under the direction of Thomas Slabaugh II since its founding.

Alumni of Mariachi del Valle have gone on to perform in several professional local Mariachi ensembles and continue to make music throughout the Davis region. 

Notable past performances of Mariachi del Valle include representing Yolo County at the 2019 California State Mariachi Championships held at Cal Expo, as well as performing at Disneyland's California Adventure in 2023 to a full house! Local events include the hosting of a local Mariachi and Folkloric Dance Festival starting in May, 2023 and throughout the Davis region in community events.

This program at Davis Senior High School is a year-long, daily class and receives instructional assistance from coaches from local mariachi ensembles and gracious help from the UC Davis university mariachi music instructor. Davis Senior High was invited to participate in this year's Viva Mariachi Festival because it is a model for local Napa County schools to follow and access guidance from.


FREE MARIACHI WORKSHOPS

The mariachi instrument workshops will be lead by the director and the student musicians from the award-winning Mariachi Plata from College of Southern Nevada, who took top honors this December, for a 3rd consecutive year, at the 29th Annual Mariachi Extravaganze National Competition in San Antonio Texas.

Details: 

  • Students must have at least 2 years of experience playing one of these instruments (violin, trumpet, armonia (guitar/vihuela), guitarron or harp.
  • Student participants must provide their own instrument for the workshops.
  • Workshop seats will be limited to 25 students per instrument.
  • Registration will be required to secure a spot. Registration link available on Feb. 1, 2024.

Student Workshop Registration will include:

  • A full day of FREE intensive Mariachi instruction by professional musicians.
  • Workshop materials with music sheets for the instructional workshops.
  • Participation in both Student Showcases (Sat & Sun) and viewing of the Concert from their staging room (not a seat in the main theater).
  • Register HERE.

IMPORTANT: Parents or guests of workshop participants must purchase their tickets on their own if they want to watch their student(s) perform during the concerts. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait till the last minute.

Schedule of Events for Saturday, April 6, 2024.

8:30 a.m.  Workshop Registration

9:00 a.m. Welcome & Demo

9:30 a.m. Workshop Session #1

11:00 a.m. Workshop Session #2

12:00 p.m. Lunch included

1:00 p.m. Workshop Session #3

2:30 p.m. Group Rehearsal

7:00 p.m. Student Showcase & Professional Concert on Sat. ( 1:00 p.m. on Sunday)

 

Sponsor ¡Viva Mariachi! Donate to ¡Viva Mariachi!

NVC's generous donors and sponsors allow us to keep ticket prices low, reimburse performers for travel, and cover operational costs of the event. They are also assisting us with developing local mariachi music education programs for all ages. 

The festival connects our community to higher education and offers an opportunity to see firsthand how mariachi programs are thriving in the U.S and how they serve to enhance students’ academic performance. 

Mariachi programs enrich the cultural vitality of educational institutions and surrounding communities.  

¡Viva Mariachi! is fully funded by the generosity of supporters, sponsors, and patrons.

Please consider a gift of support or sponsorship of this rich, cultural event celebrating music, community, and learning in the Mexican tradition.

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Office of Student Affairs
NVCStudentAffairs@napavalley.edu
(707) 256-7363


NVC District Auxiliary services Foundation (NVC DAS) 
Tax ID# 46-2918583
Enterprise.Services@napavalley.edu
(707) 256-7113

 

 

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