(Courtesy photo)
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
The San Benito High School Flamenco Guitar Ensemble has been selected to perform at the 2027 Texas Music Educators Association Convention as a Music Showcase Performing Group, marking the first time a San Benito CISD performing group has received this honor, according to Director of Fine Arts Eradio “Roddy” Martinez.
The ensemble, directed by Jorge Mascorro, was selected through TMEA’s Music Showcase application process. Martinez said the district submitted its application by the June 1 deadline, including details on the ensemble’s instrumentation, history, and the reasons the group should be featured.
A key part of the application was submitting high-quality recordings that demonstrated the students’ performance abilities. The Fine Arts Department worked with the district’s KSBG Audio team to produce the MP3 recordings submitted for consideration.
According to TMEA, factors such as performance quality, venue compatibility, and genre diversity are considered when selecting showcase groups. Approximately 50 performance opportunities are available statewide, and applicants represent a wide range of ensembles rather than competing in a separate guitar category.
“This makes the process particularly unique,” Martinez said.
The San Benito ensemble will present a 25-minute, entirely acoustic performance featuring Mexican acoustic guitars and string instruments.
Amplification is not permitted for the showcase, making the program different from performances local audiences may be accustomed to hearing from the group and creating what Martinez described as a more traditional presentation.
Martinez said that up to eight students will participate in the TMEA performance. The group includes seven students: Giancarlos Aguilar, Miguel Loredo, Jiovanni Luna, Juliana Olvera, Adrian Rodriguez, Carlos Salazar and Xavier Torres.
The guitar program dates to 2011, when Mascorro and Alberto Ortiz helped establish it in San Benito CISD. Martinez also credited Ortiz and Javier Tamez, who teach middle school guitar, with preparing students for the high school program.
“A great high school music program reflects great middle school teachers,” Martinez said. “It is a team effort.”
Martinez emphasized that the showcase selection is distinct from individual San Benito students earning All-State honors and performing with TMEA All-State ensembles. In this instance, the entire Flamenco Guitar Ensemble was selected as a Music Showcase Performing Group.
The district will use its local budget to cover expenses for the performance, including student travel, hotel accommodations and meals.
Martinez said the students are thrilled about the selection and described the opportunity to present Mexican musical culture at the convention as especially meaningful for the students and the district.