Mariachi Events

Mariachi Event Requirements

The following rules and format for mariachi ensembles, including for the State Mariachi Festival Pilot, were developed by UIL through consultation with the UIL Ad-­‐Hoc Mariachi Committee and are consistent with existing UIL Music events.  Any variances from the C&CR are acceptable and are due to pilot status of the state mariachi festival.

Mariachi ensembles may enter the UIL Region Medium Ensemble Contest as either traditional or experimental under the following conditions. Any group not meeting these requirements is subject to disqualification. 

Entry in the State Mariachi Festival Pilot is limited to one mariachi group -­‐ either traditional or experimental -­‐ per school. (see festival pilot rules). 

1. Traditional Mariachi (Event Code 900) conforms to traditional mariachi instrumentation and part distribution as follows.

Instrumentation. 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.  (Variance from C&CR requirement permitted due to the state mariachi festival pilot).

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.  

Performance Regulations.   There is no minimum performance time.  The maximum performance time shall not exceed 10 minutes.  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.

Music Scores.  Each director must provide the judge(s) with a comprehensive (includes all parts), readable score (suitable for adjudicated performances) for each selection being performed.  The score(s) are to be published or computer generated with measures numbered and in standard published score format. Violation of this requirement will likely result in disqualification from receiving a group rating.

2. Experimental Mariachi (Event Code 910) demonstrates the mariachi performance tradition but with no requirements in terms of instrumentation.

Instrumentation.  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.  (Variance from C&CR requirement permitted due to the state mariachi festival pilot).

Performance Regulations. There is no minimum performance time. The maximum performance time shall not exceed 10 minutes. 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.

Music Scores. Each director must provide the judge(s) with a comprehensive (includes all parts), readable score (suitable for adjudicated performances) for each selection being performed. The score(s) are to be published or computer generated with measures numbered and in standard published score format. Violation of this requirement will likely result in disqualification from receiving a group rating.