Downey Unified’s Mariachi Music Festival Registration

April 18, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Downey High School: 11040 Brookshire Ave, Downey, CA 90241

The Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival returns for its third year on April 18, 2026, and we invite mariachi programs from across the region to be part of this exciting celebration of music and culture. This festival provides student musicians the opportunity to perform on a large stage, connect with fellow mariachi ensembles, and showcase the hard work and pride behind their programs. Open to school-based mariachi groups and academies, the event celebrates artistry, collaboration, and the rich traditions of mariachi music in a supportive, high-energy environment. Registration is now open. Join us and be part of a growing tradition!

Group Competition Registration

Timeline

February 13 – Registration opens for all groups

March 13 – Registration closes for all groups

April 18 – Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival at Downey High School (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
April 18 – Awards announced at 4:30 pm

Registration

Group registration includes the following:

Participation in the group competitions
- Cash prizes for winners. Entry to all competitions: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd – per category
Feedback session with a mariachi expert following the performance
Judging score sheet with comments for every group
Participation certificate for each registered group

Judges

Clinicians

Angelica Hernandez
Ismael Hernandez
Julian Torres

Adjudicators

David Lizarde
Irineo Yañez

Angelica Hernandez

Angelica Hernandez is a professional mariachi guitarist, vocalist, educator, and former member of the renowned Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue her passion for mariachi music. She performed with Mariachi Reyna for a total of sixteen years and was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award in 2025. Angelica is an in-demand clinician and adjudicator nationwide and currently co-directs Mariachi Santa Monica, a Los Angeles–based ensemble founded in 2021 with her husband, Julio Hernandez.

Ismael Hernandez

Ismael Hernandez embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 8, apprenticing with his father, Chato Hernández, in Mariachi los Jilgueros as a vihuelist. A pivotal moment arrived at 18 when he relocated to Los Angeles, California, where Mr. José Hernández and Mariachi Sol de México welcomed him as a violinist. Subsequently, he joined Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, honing his skills over a remarkable 25-year career. Encouraged by Nati Cano, Ismael later established his own ensemble, Mariachi Tierra Querida de Ismael Hernández.

Julian Torres

Julián Torres is a groundbreaking Mexican-American singer from Hawthorne, CA, recognized as the first mariachi artist signed to Death Row Records. Discovered by producer Fredwreck in 2020, he is known for blending traditional mariachi with a modern style, performing at major venues like Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood Bowl.

David Lizarde

David Lizarde is a middle school music teacher with the Paramount Unified School District and holds a Master’s degree in Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. With more than 20 years of experience in music education, he has dedicated his career to inspiring students through the power of music. His musical journey began with violin studies and later flourished in mariachi performance, leading to three decades of performing alongside talented musicians and artists. A proud resident of Downey, David is honored to serve as an adjudicator for Downey’s 3rd Mariachi Music Festival.

Irineo Yanez

Irineo Yañez is a music educator and professional musician with nearly two decades of experience in public education. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he began studying the violin at age nine and started performing mariachi music at twelve with Mariachi Olímpico at Belvedere Junior High School—an experience that inspired his lifelong dedication to the genre. He holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master’s degree in Education from California State University, Northridge, and has served as an educator with the Los Angeles Unified School District for nearly 18 years. In addition to his work in education, Irineo is an accomplished mariachi musician who has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

GROUP COMPETITION RULES AND REGULATIONS

Competitions are open to groups from throughout the U.S.
Group Competitions will be held in 3 categories to include Middle School, High School and Open.
Categories are best described as follows:
- Middle School – Middle School students 5th/ 6th through 8th grade or ages 10-14.
- High School – High School Students, 9th – 12th grade. No students over 18 years of age. *If your group consists of middle – high school students, you should register your group in the category where the majority of the ensemble students age/grade pertain to.
- OPEN – This category is open to any group 22 years of age and younger. The Mariachi can be college or academies with multi-aged members.
Groups may compete with an unlimited number of students. However, please keep in mind that the stage set up for 16 students and any additional microphones/stage equipment is not guaranteed.
Music stands will be available, but students must carry them on and off stage. *Please note if it is windy, we do not provide clips for music.
Each student must play an instrument during the competition.
Submit set lists during registration; ensure correct titles and spellings for judges.
12 minutes are allotted for every performance, from the time the first note is played to the last.
Mariachi Directors may assist Middle School Groups with mic adjustments on stage before start time.
Directors MAY NOT perform with the students during the performance.
Please note: We have received lots of phone calls regarding this competition. Please secure your spot by registering your group early, as entry into the competition is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Food trucks and specialty vendors will be at the Festival.
Registration deadline is March 13, 2026. No late registration is accepted.

Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival

Registration Deadline: March 13, 2026. No late registration is accepted.

After completing the registration form, you will need to provide payment by credit card or check. Payment secures your spot. If you are paying with a check, that check must be received within 7 business days. Once payment is received, you will receive a confirmation email.

For any questions, please contact Jorge Cardenas (jocardenas@dusd.net). Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you.

Location: Downey High School, 11040 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241

Date and time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Contact Information(Required)

First Name Last Name

Email(Required)

This will be used for your confirmation email.

Cell Phone Number(Required)

Name of Mariachi Group(Required)

As you want listed in digital and printed materials.

Name of School/Organization(Required)

Complete Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

School/Organization Phone Number(Required)

Which category will you be competing in?(Required)

Middle School

High School

Open

Set List (12 Minutes)(Required)

1st Assistant Director

Email Address

Phone Number

Email Address

Group Registration is $200. Pay with:(Required)

Credit card (see information below)

Check (see information below)

Payable to: Warren High School ASB Memo Line: DUSD Mariachi Program Mail to: DUSD - Martha Machado 11627 Brookshire Ave. Downey, CA 90241 Check must be received within 7 business days of online registration or spot will be given to the next group on the waiting list. Payment by credit card, use this link: http://bit.ly/4rc0C6f

Terms and Conditions(Required)

The Downey Unified Mariachi Music Festival (event) is produced by Downey Unified School District. By participating in the event, I agree to all terms and conditions as outlined below. I agree to grant the producer and its successors, permission to take photographs and videos of my appearance during the event and edit, use for future promotions of events produced by DUSD without compensation or knowledge. This includes my name, likeness, voice, biographical data and interviews. I understand DUSD is the sole owner of such film, recordings and photography ad may use these materials as needed. I agree to indemnify the Producer and judges and to hold each of them harmless for liabilities, damages, expenses and losses caused by or arising from physical, mental or emotional harm caused prior to, during or after the event. I agree to follow the Producer's rules/regulations, directions and instructions in all matters relating to the event. I acknowledge that the producer has the right to disqualify me at anytime for any reason as a participant of the event. I understand that I am not allowed to approach media or event sponsors without Producer's approval. I agree that I, or anyone representing me, is prohibited from giving anything of value to the judges of the competitions. Do you agree to the Terms and Conditions?

Yes, I agree to the Terms and Conditions listed above.

Checks must be received within 7 business days of online registration, or the spot will be given to the next group on the waiting list.

Payable to: Warren High School ASB
Memo Line: DUSD Mariachi Program
Mail to:
DUSD – Martha Machado
11627 Brookshire Ave.
Downey, CA 90241

Payment by credit card, visit: http://bit.ly/4rc0C6f