Four student performers from McAllen ISD qualified to perform at the 31st Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Vocal Competition, the district announced

Allyson Contador and Isabel Garza-Johnson of McAllen High School qualified, along with Leann Vela of James “Nikki” Rowe High School and Travis Middle School’s Joshua Gamez-Cuellar. 

Only 20 high school spots and 10 middle school spots were available during the nationwide auditions.  

“They delivered spectacular performances to secure their spots among the best of the best in the largest and most competitive mariachi vocal competition of its kind,” McAllen High Mariachi Oro Instructor Alex Trevino stated in the news release. “We are extremely proud of them.”

The student performers will compete in the semifinals on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 at San Antonio’s Lila Cockrell Theatre. The finals are set for Dec. 6.

There are thousands of dollars in scholarships and performance opportunities for the top-placing students, the news release stated.