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Mariachi “Escorpión” of The
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College was started
by Antonio Briseño in the spring of 1997. The mariachi was originally named
Mariachi “Alacran”, but due to some arm-twisting by the members, in the
spring of 1998 the name was changed to “Escorpión”, the mascot for UTB/TSC.
It was a very slow beginning with only two violins, and six guitars-we did
not own vihuelas or guitarron at the time. Needless to say, it was an uphill
battle. The fall of 1997 proved to be a bit better in that we acquired a
vihuela and a guitarron, two more violinists, and our fair share of guitars,
I also, finally, found trumpets who were willing to play mariachi music and
so we were now ready to embark in the making of real mariachi music.
The spring of 1998 was the true genesis of Mariachi Escorpión. We still did
not have our uniforms, but we managed to perform for the Mr. Amigo
Celebration here at UTB/TSC, which is presented every year during the
International Charro Days Celebration. In late February, the Mariachi
uniforms arrived which led the way to many more performances.
In order to better represent the true mariachi music and customs, the
Mariachi Escorpión has participated in workshops in San Antonio during the
presentations of the Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán. The Mariach Escorpión
has won first place at the Mariachi of Texas Tech University festival in
Lubbock, Texas. The mariachi has also participated in mariachi workshops at
the Our Lady of the Lake University with the Mariachi Campanas de América.
In September of 2001, the Mariachi Escorpión participated at the El
Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y Charerría in Guadalajara, México.
PHILOSOPHY:
Every student who wishes to learn more about his/her culture or the culture
of our region should have the opportunity to learn. The best way to teach is
by doing. Students should be given the opportunity to perform music that has
played a major role in the culture of our part of the country for centuries.
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