A groundbreaking musical movement is taking shape in South Texas, and Mirelle Acuña stands at its center. In this enlightening conversation, the co-founder of the RGV International Mariachi Conference shares her vision for transforming mariachi education across the region and beyond.

"We've seen exponential growth in mariachi education here in South Texas," Mirelle explains, highlighting how students typically had to travel far for advanced training opportunities. Her solution? Create Texas's first International Mariachi Conference, bringing world-class instruction directly to RGV students through workshops led by Mariachi Sol de Mexico and other master teachers.

What makes this conference revolutionary is its comprehensive approach. Unlike other events, it offers both instrumental and vocal training, acknowledging that true mariachi musicians must excel at both. It provides crucial professional development for educators, prepares students for Texas All-State competitions, and—perhaps most innovatively—includes a conjunto competition, creating unprecedented opportunities for students in this traditional genre.

Mirelle's personal journey mirrors the transformative power of music education. From a reluctant high school mariachi student who initially thought the genre "sucks," she evolved into a passionate educator with 17 years of teaching experience and a master's in educational leadership. Her story resonates with anyone who's faced discouragement, remembering a professor who told her to quit music school—advice she thankfully ignored.

The inaugural RGV International Mariachi Conference runs June 25-28, culminating in a spectacular concert at McAllen Performing Arts Center. Registration remains open for students and non-students alike, with affordable rates and scholarships available. Behind it all is Mirelle's unwavering belief in creating opportunities: "We're not out to make money; we're out to give kids opportunities."

Ready to witness this musical revolution firsthand? Visit rgvmariachiconference.com to register for workshops or purchase concert tickets and be part of what promises to become a cornerstone of mariachi education in Texas.

Carlos Peralez sits down with Charros y Clásicos to share a remarkable journey that spans nearly five decades of balancing professional engineering with passionate musicianship. With violin in hand since age 10, Carlos takes us through his evolution from a kid who joined orchestra just to skip class to a dedicated performer with over 40 years in the Valley Symphony Orchestra.

"I think I needed music to get me through engineering school," Carlos reveals, describing how violin practice became his sanctuary during stressful academic periods. This theme of music as mental refreshment continues throughout his narrative, showing how artistic pursuits can complement rather than compete with professional careers.

The conversation touches on memorable moments with his mentor Kurt Roehm, whose influence shaped not just Carlos's musical abilities but his approach to life. We learn about the special violin Roehm personally selected for him in 1978—an instrument Carlos still plays today, 47 years later. His story expands to include family connections through music, from performing wedding duets with his singer wife to watching his daughter become a three-time All-Stater herself.

What makes Carlos's story particularly compelling is his practical wisdom for young musicians. "You don't need to be a music major if that's not your calling. But for God's sake, don't give it up," he advises, challenging the notion that artistic pursuits must be abandoned when choosing practical career paths. His journey embodies this philosophy, demonstrating how persistence, balance, and genuine passion can create a life where engineering blueprints and musical scores harmoniously coexist.

Join us for this heartwarming conversation that reminds us how maintaining connections to our artistic passions throughout life creates richer, more balanced human experiences. Have you found ways to keep your creative passions alive alongside your career? We'd love to hear your story.

When classical music plays in a baby's nursery, does it really make a difference? For Moises Llanes, those early moments with Beethoven and Brahms symphonies resonating through his crib shaped a lifelong passion that would transform orchestral education in the Rio Grande Valley.

This captivating conversation reveals how a businessman father with an eighth-grade education made a pivotal decision to expose his children to classical music and piano lessons, creating the foundation for Moises's remarkable 37-year teaching career. "I just feel at home listening and playing classical music," Llanes shares, reflecting on those formative experiences that gave him both purpose and direction from an astonishingly young age.

Llanes takes us through his journey from student violinist to celebrated educator, highlighting a watershed moment when, as a high school student, he recognized a critical gap in orchestral education - the lack of music literacy. This insight became the cornerstone of his teaching philosophy, creating generations of independent musicians who could truly understand music rather than merely memorize finger positions. "You don't have to figure it out, you just have to read it," became his mantra, empowering students to explore music confidently on their own.

The conversation delves into Llanes's collegiate years, cultural identity challenges, and the resilience that carried him through financial hardships when his father's business collapsed. Despite briefly retiring in 2022, his passion for music education drew him back to the classroom at Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School, where he continues making an impact. His parting wisdom for aspiring educators resonates powerfully: "If you're not going to do it 110%, especially teaching, don't do it at all."

Subscribe now to hear more inspiring stories from the musical community of the Rio Grande Valley, where passion, perseverance, and cultural heritage create a unique symphony of experiences.