Invited High School Mariachi Ensemble

Below are the requirements and application for an invited high school mariachi ensemble to perform during the annual clinic/convention. Applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CDT), June 1. TMEA will not provide any instruments for this performance.

Selected ensembles are included on the Convention Concert Ensembles page.

Eligibility

1. The directors must be active members of TMEA.
2. The director cannot be on the TMEA Executive Board.
3. An invited mariachi ensemble will not be eligible to apply for three years after their last performance at the TMEA convention. i.e. - Performed in 2024-2025, not eligible in 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 20278-2028, eligible in 2028-2029.

Entry Requirements

1. Applications and recordings must be submitted online by 11:59 pm (CDT), June 1.
   Note: Uploading recordings will take time. Start the application process before 9 p.m. (CDT), June 1.
2. The printed application must include the signature of the director with the permission of the school principal.
3. A letter from the school superintendent (or designee) stating the ensemble will be allowed to perform at the TMEA Convention.

Recording Requirements

1. A single video with up to 5 selections will be uploaded to TMEA through the online application process.
2. All video recordings must be from live concerts during the 2024-25 school year.
3. The video must be at least 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes of music and should contain examples of different mariachi types of mariachi ensemble music.
4. Titles, composers, arrangers, and dates of the performances will be submitted online.
5. Acceptable recording formats for upload:
• Must be MP4 (MPEG-4) container with video codec H.264 and audio codec ACC-LC.
• Video resolution should be no larger than 1080p HD (1920 x 1080 pixels).
• Video bitrate should not exceed 10 Mbps, audio bitrate should not exceed 512 kbps
6. The recordings must be of registered students only. No guest artists can appear on the submitted recording.
7. There can be no speaking of any kind on the recording.
8. Recordings will not be returned and will be deleted after the review process is complete.

Selection

1. The TMEA Orchestra Division will select a committee of three of its members who specialize in mariachi to listen to the recordings.
2. No directors who are applying for performance will be allowed to serve on the selection committee.
3. This is a blind audition process. Only the Selection Committee Chairperson will know which schools have applied.

Acknowledgement

1. The announcement of the selected program will be made on Thursday during the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Convention.

Performance

1. The invited ensemble will agree to complete their concert within the 50 minute allotted time. This includes introductions, applause, and presentations. This includes the final concert of any day.
2. The total time of the repertoire must not exceed 40 minutes.
3. Repertoire must be approved by the Band Division Vice-President and must be submitted by October 10 via the TMEA website.
4. The invited ensemble will be scheduled by the Band Division Vice-President in consultation with the TMEA Executive Board.
5. The performance must be in the mariachi ensemble genre and only include student members of the top Varsity ensemble.
6. Any adult performers must be approved by the TMEA Band Division Vice-President.
7. If the performance is scheduled in the Lila Cockrell Theatre, TMEA will provide a grand piano, chairs, music stands, conductor podium and music stand, and if required, up to 4 - 8" tall 4'x 8' platforms, 4 - 16" tall 4' x 8' platforms, and 4 - 24" tall 4' x 8' platforms.
8. If the performance is scheduled in a ballroom, TMEA will provide a grand piano, chairs, music stands, conductor podium and music stand, and if required, up to 2 - 8" tall 4'x 8' platforms, 2- 16" tall 4' x 8' platforms.
9. For either performance location, all other instruments and equipment must be provided by the ensemble and must fit in a one box truck. Only one truck is permitted.
10. TMEA prohibits any organization from soliciting exhibitors for use of instruments or equipment before or during the convention.

Application

1. Online application process opens April 1. Application button will appear below.
2. The online application for must be PRINTED and include the signature of the director.
3. A letter from the school superintendent (or designee) stating the ensemble will be allowed to perform at the TMEA Convention.
4. Print and sign the application then digitally upload the form including the superintendent letter in one PDF file to TMEA on the website application.
5. Deadline to complete the application process including the signed application and single video file upload is 11:59 pm (CDT), June 1.

Need Help?

For questions about the invited mariachi application process, contact the Orchestra Division Vice-President.