Avanzando Mariachi Conference Unites Educators and Students in San Antonio

The Avanzando Mariachi Conference will take place July 21–22, 2026, offering a two-day professional development experience for mariachi educators and students focused on growth, collaboration, and musical excellence.

The word avanzando means “advancing” or “moving forward,” a concept that serves as the foundation of the conference. Designed as a space for both teaching and learning, Avanzando allows educators to step back into the role of student while giving young musicians the opportunity to work alongside experienced, master-level performers.

This year’s conference will feature presenters from across Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California, each bringing a unique perspective to mariachi education and performance. Presenters include Richard Carranza (Keynote Speaker), Dr. Adolfo Estrada, Ph.D (Presenter, Host & Moderator), Miguel Guzman (Legacy Award Recipient), Eddy Lopez, Adrian Perez, Joseph Alcocer, Rosendo Ramos, and Eloy Garza. 

Sessions will cover a range of topics including building and sustaining mariachi programs, developing technique and rehearsal structure, integrating mariachi into school ensembles, and preparing students for performance and competition. The goal is to help bridge gaps in mariachi education in Bexar County and beyond while providing practical tools educators can take back to their classrooms.

The two-day schedule includes breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and a student showcase, creating opportunities for both hands-on learning and performance. A highlight of the conference will be a special evening concert by Mariachi Los Camperos on July 22, included with registration.

As part of the conference, the Avanzando Legacy Award will be presented to Miguel Guzman. The award honors individuals whose lifelong contributions have shaped and elevated mariachi through education, performance, and composition. Each year, a distinguished honoree is recognized for their lasting impact on the mariachi community, with a featured presentation highlighting their artistic journey and influence.

Miguel Guzman, the 2026 honoree, is a respected mariachi musician and educator from San Antonio with over four decades of professional experience and nearly 40 years in education. He is the director of the Miguel Guzman Mariachi Conservatory and co-founder of Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio. Throughout his career, he has performed with renowned artists such as Lucha Villa, Lola Beltrán, Vikki Carr, and Plácido Domingo, and contributed to award-winning recordings. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Instruction at Texas State University and conductor of YOSA Mariachi.

“We are incredibly proud to support the development of the Avanzando Mariachi Conference as a resource for educators and students alike,” said Dr. Kimberly Stephenson, Vice President of Education at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. “Investing in teachers is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen arts education, and this conference creates space for educators to grow, collaborate, and bring new knowledge back to their classrooms. This work reflects the Tobin Center’s mission to inspire, educate, and connect our community through the arts.”

Conference registration is $75 per person and includes access to all sessions, three hours of credit per workshop upon completion, free parking, and a ticket to the closing concert. Group discounts are available for schools and teams attending together.

Avanzando Mariachi Conference continues to serve as a platform for advancing mariachi education while supporting the educators and students who carry the tradition forward.

San Antonio News

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