Dia Del Mariachi to be held April 16 in Alice

 The 9th Annual Coastal Bend College Dia Del Mariachi™ Vocal and Group Competition, will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Alice High School, located at 1 Coyote Trail in Alice, Texas.  The competition’s best overall elementary, middle and high school vocalists, and the best overall groups from Elementary/Middle School Division I and II, High School Division I and II, Composite Groups, and Two-Year Colleges will be showcased on stage prior to an evening concert featuring Mariachi Campanas de America.

 The mission of Dia Del Mariachi™ is to strive for Mariachi music excellence; develop young leaders with Hispanic cultural understanding; inspire a spirit of pride and unity in the people and communities of South Texas; and to introduce everyone to Coastal Bend College’s educational opportunities. The event is designed to provide students with college information, fellowship with other young musicians, experience with stage performing, and opportunities to listen to other groups. The competition winners get the once-in-a-lifetimes experience of opening for a professional Mariachi concert.

 This year, Coastal Bend College will attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for the world’s largest Mariachi ensemble. The attempt is open to all Mariachi musicians – student or professional — with the following stipulations: (1) participants must proficiently play an instrument, preferably a violin, trumpet, Spanish guitar, Vihuela or Guitarrón; and (2) participants must be in full Mariachi attire including sombrero.  Musicians at all levels are invited to participate.

  For more information about Dia Del Mariachi or the Guinness World Record™ attempt, log on to http://www.coastalbend.edu/diadelmariachi or contact Juan Jose Sanchez at (361) 664-2981 Ext. 3042 or by e-mail: alice2@coastalbend.edu.

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