In March of 2011, The Elisa Gastellum Memorial Foundation, Inc., and The Tucson International Mariachi Conference sponsored a youth competition for elementary and middle school mariachi students. The money won by the vocalists would be invested into college savings plans.
Each student had to submit a DVD of themselves, singing one or two songs.
The event was held at the historic Casino Ballroom in Tucson, AZ.
Jose Ronstadt was the master of ceremonies. Special guest was Latin recording artist, Nydia Rojas, who performed a number of her hits, accompanied by Mariachi Sonido de Mexico.
The vocalists were judged by professional mariachi musicians.
Winners of the vocalist competition:
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- Kiana Martinez (4th), Selah Flores (4th), Anyssa Herran (1st), Griffin Tucker (4th
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- Esteban Dagnino (7th), Isaiah Garcia (7th), Alicea Owen (8th)
