July 21st-22nd, 2026
Credit (1 hour per session, including the keynote and Dr. Adolfo Estrada’s presentations) is provided upon completion of each session.
Free Parking!
Supporting Partners
Reuben Carranza & Jim Hoffbauer
Marcy & Ron Newman
The Avanzando mariachi conference is designed for both students and educators to learn, grow, and be inspired together! Throughout the day, student workshops and educator professional learning sessions will take place simultaneously in different areas of the Tobin Center.
While students participate in interactive workshops with members of Mariachi Los Camperos, educators and directors can engage in professional learning sessions created specifically for music educators. This allows the entire mariachi community to experience meaningful learning opportunities throughout the conference.
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.
We have a room block reserved at Hotel Indigo Riverwalk, the preferred hotel for the conference. The hotel is located just a few steps away from where the workshops and professional learning will be held.
Room rates are available ONLY for conference attendees and chaperones. Reservations must be made by July 1, 2026.
Guests may book online using the link below:
Alternatively, individuals may contact the reservations team directly at (210) 527-1900 and provide the following group information:
Group Code: GNX
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Lunch may be pre-ordered until July 13, 2026. Limited lunches may be available for purchase during the conference while supplies last.
Day 1: $15 (Turkey or Ham Sandwich). Day 2: $15 (Chicken Tenders & Fries).
You will receive a lunch ticket with your check-in materials. Present the ticket when picking up lunch each day.
Day 1: Turkey or Ham Sandwich. Day 2: Chicken Tenders & Fries. A vegetarian option may be available by request while supplies last. Please contact Alejandra Blanco in advance.
Limited lunches may be available for purchase while supplies last.
T-shirts may be pre-ordered through the registration form until two weeks before the conference.
T-shirts will be sold at the conference for $25 while supplies last.
Please park in The Tobin Center Parking Garage on 4th Street.
Yes. Parking will be validated for attendees who park in The Tobin Center Garage.
There are no general in-and-out privileges. If you leave only for lunch or an emergency, you may receive a second parking validation when you return.
Yes. Early Check-In is Monday, July 20, from 4:00 PM–6:00 PM. We strongly encourage Early Check-In to avoid lines on Tuesday morning which may delay entry.
A: Doors open at 8:00 AM on July 21 and 22. Check-in is at the McCombs Lobby entrance.
Your conference badge, workshop materials, lunch ticket, concert ticket, and T-shirt (if purchased).
School materials will be distributed both during Early Check-In & Day-of Check-In.
Yes. Your conference badge is your pass to enter the building and should be worn at all times.
Visit Registration. After your registration is verified, a replacement badge will be issued for a $10 fee.
A: The Master Class is a select ensemble made up of students chosen by their advanced-level instructors to work directly with Jesús 'Chuy' Guzmán.
There is no formal audition. Only students registered in Advanced Instrument Workshops are eligible. Instructors select students during the first hour of Day 1 based on musicianship, sight-reading, preparedness, and music theory.
Students perform the music they learned during the conference. The showcase also debuts the 2026 Master Class before they open for Mariachi Los Camperos.
Wednesday, July 22, from 3:00–4:00 PM in H-E-B Hall.
Yes. Families, directors, and community members are welcome.
Yes, it is free and open to everyone.
Tuesday, July 21, from 8:30–10:30 PM at Will Naylor Memorial Plaza.
No. You may attend Professional Learning sessions and/or Music Workshops based on your registration.
CPE credit is awarded only for Professional Learning sessions.
Approximately two weeks after the conference.
Participants may change levels but may not change instruments.
A Lyft discount code is still to be determined.
$119 per night. The discounted rate expires two weeks before the conference.
Contact Hotel Indigo directly and mention the Avanzando Mariachi Conference or use the booking link below.
Monday, July 20. Contact Alejandra Blanco for your assigned load-in time.
One 6-foot table, chairs, Wi-Fi, power (if requested), and a black spandex table cover.
Beginning at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22.
Your concert ticket will be included with your check-in materials.
Students should bring their instrument, tuner, extra strings, and a folding music stand if possible. Music will be provided. Educators are encouraged to bring note-taking materials.
Visit the Registration Desk and staff will assist you.
Due to limited rehearsal space, chaperones are encouraged to wait in the McCombs Lobby. Designated seating may be available for those accompanying very young children.
No. Professional Learning sessions are reserved for registered participants.
Soft seating is available in the McCombs Lobby.
Wear your chaperone wristband at all times.
Replacement wristbands are available at Registration for a $10 fee.
Purchase tickets through The Tobin Center Box Office. Let the Box Office know you are attending with a conference participant so they can seat you together if possible.
The Tobin Center uses metal detectors, security personnel, and event staff. Minors may not leave the conference without their designated parent or chaperone.
Please contact Alejandra Blanco before the conference so accommodations can be arranged.
Alejandra Blanco
Education, Learning & Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
210-223-3333 ext. 7167
