Box Office Closure
The box office will closed Thu, Jul 2 - Sat, Jul 4 in observance of Independence Day. Regular box office hours will resume on Mon, Jul 6.
Avanzando Mariachi Conference
July 21st-22nd, 2026
Credit (3 hours per workshop) is provided upon completion of each session.
Free Parking!
The word Avanzando means “advancing” or “moving forward.” In music, it is also a directional term that signals progression—an intentional push ahead in energy, growth, and purpose. This meaning is at the heart of the Avanzando Mariachi Conference: advancing the art of mariachi while uplifting those who teach and perform it.
Avanzando is a mariachi professional development conference designed for both educators and students. This conference was created to provide a space where mariachi educators can become students again—learning, growing, and gaining meaningful resources to take back to their programs. At the same time, students will work alongside master-level musicians to sharpen their skills, strengthen their musicianship, and develop strong rehearsal habits.
This year, Avanzando will welcome seven presenters from Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Each will lead sessions on a variety of topics, with the goal of bridging gaps in knowledge for mariachi education in Bexar County and beyond.
- Registration for the conference will be $75 per person for both days. There will also be several opportunities for discounts:
- Bring a co-director or teaching assistant and receive 10% off
- Bring a co-director and an administrator and receive 20% off
- Bring your full team including students and receive 30% off
- Registration fees will also include a ticket to the evening concert by Mariachi Los Camperos on July 22 to conclude the conference.
Avanzando 2026 Schedule
Day 1 — July 21
8:00–8:30 AM — Check-In (McCombs Lobby)
8:30–9:00 AM — Mariachi Los Camperos: Demo (H-E-B Hall)
9:00–10:15 AM — Carranza: From Passion to Program (Carlos Álvarez Theatre)
10:15–10:25 AM — Break
10:25–11:40 AM
- H-E-B Hall: Eddy Lopez — Technique & Routine
- Carlos Álvarez Theatre: Joseph Alcocer — Orchestra + Mariachi
11:40–11:50 AM — Break
11:50 AM–1:05 PM
- H-E-B Hall: Adrian Perez — Harp Implementation
- Carlos Álvarez Theatre: Rosendo Ramos — Engaging Ensemble
1:05–2:05 PM — Lunch (Carlos Álvarez Theatre)
2:05–3:05 PM — Dr. Estrada: Sones Jaliscienses (H-E-B Hall)
3:05–3:15 PM — Break
3:15–4:15 PM
- H-E-B Hall: Eloy Garza — Foundational Skills
- Carlos Álvarez Theatre: Joseph Alcocer — First 100 Days
Day 2 — July 22
8:30–9:45 AM — Carranza: Avanzando with Purpose (Carlos Álvarez Theatre)
9:45–9:55 AM — Break
9:55–11:10 AM
- H-E-B Hall: Eddy Lopez — Repertoire
- Carlos Álvarez Theatre: Rosendo Ramos — New Educators
11:10–11:20 AM — Break
11:20 AM–12:35 PM
- H-E-B Hall: Adrian Perez — STEM + Mariachi
- Carlos Álvarez Theatre: Eloy Garza — Competition Prep
12:35–1:35 PM — Lunch (Carlos Álvarez Theatre)
1:35–2:35 PM — Dr. Estrada: Miguel Guzmán Journey (H-E-B Hall)
2:35–2:45 PM — Break
3:00–4:00 PM — Student Showcase (H-E-B Hall)
2 shows, Jul 21, 2026 to Jul 22, 2026
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (Multiple venues)
