ABOUT THE FILM

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE | 104 minutes | USA | 2023 | English | Color

In a South Texas high school auditorium, trumpets ring out, thick guitarrón strings thrum, and violin bow hairs snap and swing wildly through the air. This is the world of competitive scholastic mariachi.

This energetic documentary captures the highs and lows of Edinburg North High School’s Mariachi Oro as a green team strives for the state championship. With tough love, finely tuned empathy, and a fiery passion for the music, coach Abel Acuña guides the varsity band through a steep competition season and a fraught year in their adolescent lives. Team captains Abby, Marlena, and Bella prove the value of the skills taught in the band room as they navigate life’s challenges on and off the stage with grace, immutable work ethic, and total charm.

Filmmakers Alejandra Vasquez and Sam Osborn transport their audience to this symphonically, aesthetically, and emotionally vibrant world. A directorial debut for Vasquez and sophomore effort for Osborn, Going Varsity in Mariachi is a testament to their ability to explore identity, cultural roots, and pressing social issues with a nuance that foregrounds frankness, boldness, and joy.

¡Si Señor!

Our Protagonists

  • Bella

    Group Leader • Violin

    Bella is the varsity mariachi team captain and the only violinist to have been in varsity mariachi all four years of high school. The oldest of four sisters, she’s in the top five percent of her class and plans to pursue a PhD in pharmaceutical studies after high school.

  • Abby

    Senior • Violin

    Abby first joined mariachi in the 8th grade. The only musician in her tight-knit, agricultural family, Abby started playing the violin when she was 11 years old. Along with varsity mariachi, she’s involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), orchestra, student council, and four honor societies.

  • Marlena

    Senior • Vihuela

    Marlena plays the guitar and two mariachispecific stringed instruments, the guitarra de golpe and the vihuela. Along with varsity mariachi, Marlena’s involved in powerlifting and classical guitar.

  • Abel Acuña

    Mariachi Director

    Abel Acuña has been playing mariachi music for over thirty years, beginning with Mariachi Oro his sophomore year of high school. Acuña went on to play with various groups across the Rio Grande Valley, most notably with Mariachi

    Continental de Hector Guerra, and as a musical director with the award winning Mariachi 7 Leguas de Emilio Santos. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The University of Texas Pan American. In his twelve years as director of Mariachi Oro, Acuña has led Mariachi Oro to two State Championships, one National Grand Champion in Albuquerque, NM, seven UIL Superior Ratings (region & state) and an invitation to perform at the world renowned Iguazu En Concierto International Youth Music Festival in Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina.

  • Mariah

    Senior • Guitar

    Mariah is a lead vocalist and guitarist in varsity mariachi. She’s also involved in choir, drama club, and ENHS’ folklórico dance team, Folklórico Ritmo Dorado. She aspires to become a music teacher after graduating high school. Mariah’s favorite song to perform is “Los Laureles.”

  • Drake

    Senior • Guitarrón

    Drake is brand new to the world of mariachi and was recruited by Mr. Acuña to play the guitarrón. An avid history buff with dreams of joining the Army after high school, he’s also in the US Army’s JROTC program and works with his mom at the Edinburg Livestock Auction.