Mariachi Azteca earns Div. I, Superior Rating

By Ariana Contreras

Mariachi Azteca, with it’s traditional melodies and artistic arrangements, became the first mariachi group from El Paso to earn a Division One, Superior rating at the UIL State Mariachi festival in San Antonio, Texas.

On March 10, the Aztec’s left for San Antonio to compete against 70 other schools from all throughout Texas.

“It was a very overwhelming experience, especially because sometimes we don’t get much recognition or support so we really had to work our way through by ourselves,” said senior Lailah Fournier. “Winning at state amongst very talented groups that have more support from their districts and their city, it was very emotional.”

This was the city’s first ever Division I rating at state for mariachi, and the group really put meaning to the phrase – practice makes perfect.

“The different ways we practiced helped a lot. We did everything from going and practicing in the theater on Tuesdays to practicing in front of the mirrors in the dance room,” said Mariachi Azteca Director Juan Contreras.

Not many student teams can say that they’ve made history in their city, and it’s even more impressive if they do it while managing homework and AP classes.

“This was a really great way to end my senior year,” Fournier said.