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Mariachi Los Coyotes win Division 1 rating at state contest


Isidro Escamilla Jr.
Uvalde High School Mariachi Los Coyotes director Albert Martinez and other school district officials stand alongside the UHS mariachi students after receiving a Division 1 rating, the best possible, at the state mariachi festival held Feb. 24-25 in Seguin.

Uvalde High School’s Mariachi Los Coyotes earned a Division 1 rating, the highest rating possible, at the state mariachi festival held Feb. 24-25 in Seguin.

This is the seventh year of the state mariachi contest, and the fourth year as an official University Interscholastic League contest. Approximately 75 schools performed at the festival, per UIL. UHS students performed on Friday, Feb. 24.

“Our talented young mariachis represented Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District and the entire city of Uvalde, Texas, with pride and have made a name for themselves by being the first mariachi in our school’s history to bring home the gold, said 

Mariachi Los Coyotes director Albert Martinez. 

He said the students celebrated with cake and are looking forward to their next contest.

He said there are over 120 students in the mariachi program, which is available at Uvalde High School and Morales Junior High. 

“We practice every day in class, and different sections throughout the week after school,” said Martinez, who joined UCISD on Sept. 14, 2022. “Like I have said before, Uvalde is a diamond in a rough. The mariachi talent is incredible.”

Mariachi Los Coyotes members include freshmen Nicolas Avila, Gracie Flores, Joaquin Hernandez, and Sofia Schaffino; sophomores, Jayro Del Valle, Amberly Escobar, Kamila Martinez, Mayumi Montiel Roman, Nicte Montiel Roman, Arianna Ovalle, Sophia Rodriguez, Lizett Vasquez; juniors Tommie Guerrero, Victoria Reyes; seniors, Miranda Carreon, Sarahy Escobar, Gael Fernandez, David Hernandez, and Jose Mejia.