UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

SUMMER MARIACHI CAMPS

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Welcome to the award winning Klein Collins High School Mariachi program! 

Here are some of the most important components of our program that you need to know right away!

The mariachi consists of the following instruments: violin, trumpet, “armonia” which is guitar and vihuela, and guitarron (the bass instrument). Other specialty instruments that perform with mariachi include guitarra de golpe, harp, flute, and harp or "arpa."

Students who play violin, flute, or trumpet must continue their instruction with an orchestra or band class. This will require two elective slots.

Students who do not play violin or trumpet will learn to play guitar. Learning to play guitar is the gateway to learning how to play the vihuela and/or the guitarron. Orchestra students who play cello or bass make great armonia and guitarron players. Viola players can also play violin parts in the mariachi or learn to play armonia or guitarron. Vocalists with no prior instrument experience will also start on guitar.

IMPORTANT: Enrollment in the KC Mariachi class on guitar, vihuela, guitarron REQUIRES participation in the KISD Summer Armonia/Guitarron Camp.

All NEW mariachi members that will play guitar, vihuela, or guitarron are REQUIRED to attend the Klein Collins Summer Mariachi camp, June 1-5 at Klein Collins HS. Guitar (“armonia”) camp will be in the morning, 9 am-11:30 pm, and the Guitarron camp will be 11:30-1 pm. The camp costs $30 and includes the use of an instrument, strap, picks, and tuner. Enroll here: https://kleinoakorchestra.ludus.com/index.php. Additionally, all NEW MEMBERS coming in to high school are encouraged to attend the University of Houston Middle School Mariachi Camp, July 20-24. The cost is $150, sign up here: https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/community/camps-festivals-workshops/mexica-mariachi.php. We are currently working on transportation for this camp.

NEW students with prior experience on violin, viola, flute, or trumpet are required to make an audition for proper placement in either the Varisity (7th period) or Junior Varsity (6th) class. You will be contacted to setup an audition in August prior to the start of classes.

There are two levels of mariach class at Klein Collins, Junior Varsit and Varstiy. Junior Varsity will meet 6th period. This class will be for all new guitar/vihuela/guitarron players and incoming violin, viola, flute, trumpet players. Varsity will meet 7th period. Placement in this class is strictly by audition.

ALL RETURNING mariachi members are REQUIRED to attend the University of Houston Mariachi Camp July 26 to August 1 (8:30 am to 3:30 pm). Daily transportation will be provided. Tuition is covered with your commitment to the Klein Collins mariachi class. Students will engage with the UH Mariachi Pumas staff and their director Jose Longoria and train for a concert at the Moores Opera House (University of Houston) on Saturday, August 1. This is a one-week camp at the University of Houston with two levels of instruction (Intermediate and Advanced).

There are costs and equipment associated with the Klein Collins Klein Mariachi Program

New members will purchase their CONSUMABLE uniform accessory kit consisting of a performance belt (for pants) or sash (for skirts), tie or moño, and boots or botines. Girls will also need to purchase a hair bow. These items are specifically sized to the individual, are color-coordinated to match our uniforms, and can be used for the extent of their enrollment/participation with the Klein Collins HS Mariachi. These items will be fitted and purchased from our supply vendor on-site and are yours to keep. Some students will also be measured/fitted for a mariachi uniform or “traje.” The mariachi uniform consists of a pant or skirt, vest, jacket, sombrero, and tie. These items are inventory and property of Klein ISD. The date our vendor will come is still to be determined but should occur on a weekend in August/September at or very near the start of classes. The fair market value of the consumable supply kit is also yet to be determined. The following are estimated costs. Prices as of 8/25, subject to change based on current market values.

Boots - $60

Belt - $75

Sash - $30

Tie (moño) - $30

Hair bow - $30

Enrollment in the class also includes a $100 activity fee which will be paid via SchoolCash (online). Additionally, students who use a school instrument (guitar, guitarron, cello, bass) also pay one instrument maintenance fee of $50, also paid via SchoolCash. 

There are after school commitments including rehearsals, concerts, performances, competitions and other events. There will consistent weekly rehearsals for VARSITY members. JUNIOR VARSITY members may be asked to attend after school rehearsals in preparation for concerts or other events. There will be times when students may be promoted or even demoted between the two groups. From time to time, students may be asked to attend clinics or other events on the weekend. Regularly scheduled rehearsals and upcoming events will always appear in our google calendar on the website and be communicated through our group messaging.

Students can expect to perform in at least three mariachi concerts throughout the year and may be asked to perform for district events during or after school. Individuals can also compete to participate in other concerts/performance opportunities like the Houston Mariachi All-Stars and TMEA Region and All-State.

The Klein Collins Mariachi program is an active contender in the TMEA Region and All-State contest, UIL State Mariachi Festival, TAME Mariachi Competition, Houston Mariachi All-Stars, and other events. These events may require extra rehearsals/clinics, and overnight travel. No Pass/No Play Rules are in effect for competitions and overnight travel. There are opportunities for both VARSITY and JUNIOR VARSITY teams to compete.

The mariachi class is accompanied and supported by the Klein Collins student Mariachi Club, led by its elected officers and in charge of fundraising opportunities for the program. Students may be asked to participate in performances that generate donations for our program.

The school district provides the performance UNIFORM which includes a bottom (skirt or pant), vest, jacket, and sombrero. In addition to the above mentioned accessory kit, students will also need to provide their own white, collared, long-sleeve buttoned shirt. Girls will also need a dark blue or black long sock or legging.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

June 1-5 Armonia/Guitarron Camp for NEW MEMBERS (Klein Collins HS), Cost: $30, Guitar session 9-11:30 am, Guitarron session, 11:30am-1pm

July 20-24 University of Houston MIDDLE SCHOOL MARIACHI CAMP

July 26-August 1 University of Houston HIGH SCHOOL MARIACHI CAMP

A year in events…

Fall 2026

Accessory/Sizing Meeting August

Houston Mariachi All-Stars Performance August

Region/All-State Auditions October 

Hispanic Heritage Tours September/October

Winter Concert December

Spring 2025

Area UIL Qualifier January

Area TAME Qualifier February

State UIL Mariachi Festival February

TMEA Region Mariachi Clinic/Concert March

TAME State Competition April/May

Mariachi Spring Trip TBD

KC Mariachi End of Year Concert May

Klein ISD/UH Pumas Collaboration Concert May

KISD Summer Armonia Camp June