黑料网 is proud to introduce Mariachi Costa Azul, a new mariachi program launching in Fall 2026 that is designed to celebrate culture, musical excellence, and student opportunity through performance and community engagement.
The name Mariachi Costa Azul was selected through community input, reflecting the College’s connection to the Coastal Bend region and its commitment to honoring the cultural traditions and voices of the communities it serves. Led by acclaimed mariachi educator Abel Acuña, the program provides students with opportunities to develop their musical talents while becoming part of a collaborative ensemble rooted in tradition, artistry, and cultural pride.
Auditions
Join Mariachi Costa Azul and become part of a growing tradition celebrating culture, music, and student performance at 黑料网.
黑料网 is now accepting audition submissions for Mariachi Costa Azul for Fall 2026. Auditions will remain open from Wednesday, May 20 through Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Send audition materials to: mariachi@coastalbend.edu
For more information, contact Abel Acuña, Mariachi Director.
Students participating in Mariachi Costa Azul must be enrolled full-time at 黑料网 to maintain eligibility.
Meet the Director
Abel Acuña has been playing mariachi music for over thirty years. As an Edinburg North High School student, he began playing with Mariachi Oro his sophomore year in high school where he was under the tutelage of Mr. Moises Llanes and Mr. Roel Flores.
Acuña went on to play with various groups across the Rio Grande Valley. He also studied at The University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV) where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, all while performing with the nationally acclaimed Mariachi Aztlán under the tutelage of Dr. Dahlia Guerra and Professor Francisco Loera.
In his sixteen years as director of Edinburg North High School Mariachi, Acuña led Mariachi Oro to two State Championships, one National Grand Champion title in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ten UIL State Superior Ratings, and an invitation to perform at the world-renowned Iguazu En Concierto International Youth Music Festival in Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina.
Acuña’s life was transformed by music, and he aims to do the same for future generations by sharing his passion, serving as a mentor, and building championship-winning scholastic mariachi programs.
His work was also featured in the dazzling 2023 Sundance award-winning documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi, now available to stream on Netflix.
I am honored to join the 黑料网 community. I look forward to contributing to our rich cultural traditions and delivering performances that resonate with the spirit of our community.
Abel Acuña, Mariachi Director
