To the city of San Antonio Mariachi is more than a genre of music, it’s a tradition. At Fox Tech, that tradition has been around for over 30 years and strengthened by its partnership with the 3 schools on campus: Health and Law, Advanced Learning Academy and CAST Tech High School. Now known as The ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech Mariachi Group, the program has qualified for state six years in a row.
After earning a perfect Division “1” rating at regional competition the group is once again headed to the UIL State Mariachi Festival. To qualify for state, UIL requires a take on a traditional Mariachi music style called Son Jalisence and songs such as, “El Perico Loro”, “Nunca Jamas,” and “El Balajú .”
The cross-campus group has won many accolades in competitions all over the state, but what makes this Mariachi group so special is that most of the students that walk into the program are learning how to play instruments for the very first time with most of them having very little experience in music. This young group has performed above all expectations and they’re just getting started.
Looking into the future of the ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech Mariachi Group, Director David Zamarripa says, “My goal has always been to make Mariachi an equal organization as Band, Athletics, and Orchestra. We are accomplishing this with rehearsals and pure heart.”
At the state festival, ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech Mariachi Group will perform before a panel of judges to receive a rating one through five, with one being the highest and five being the lowest. No matter the outcome, this Mariachi Band will continue to share the art of mariachi music, one performance at a time.
The Award-Winning ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech Mariachi Group in San Antonio ISD is Directed by David Zamarripa, Alicia Covarrubias, and Arthur Flores.
ALA/Fox Tech/CAST Tech Mariachi Roster
- Rebekah A.
- Joshua G.
- Denisse I.
- Michael L.
- Marcos M.
- Marisol P.
- Ariel S.
- Ernest S.
- Trista T.
- Gabriela V.
- Hector R.
- Steven A.
- Carlos D.
- Juarez E.
- Guilebaldo E.
- Melanie G.
- Anahi F.
- Dylan R.
