WORKSHOPS
The annual five day conference begins with workshops in Mariachi Music, Voice and Folkloric Dance. Classes are instructed under the direction of Mariachi Cobre in the five instruments of Mariachi Music, Guitar, Guitarron, Vihuela, Violin and Trumpet, at the skill level of the student. Students in Folkloric Dance classes from beginning dance to the Masters level, are instructed under the artistic direction of Ballet Folklorico Masters.
Specialty Workshops allow students to study special interest topics. Stage Performance Skills focus on the basics of stage presence, appearance, and techniques for individuals and group performance. Ensemble Techniques for groups encourages cohesive synchronized playing. Other learning experiences include a Luthier Workshop, featuring instrument repair and maintenance. The colorful history of Mariachi Music and Folkloric Dance is interwoven throughout the workshop sessions.

STAGE PERFORMANCES
Workshop participants enjoy performance opportunities in both impromptu and formal settings where they learn from their peers as well as their instructors. Students audition for performance at the Student Showcase Concert. A highlight of the workshops is the students' on-stage performance at the Spectacular Concert with world-renowned Mariachi Cobre and international artists.

CONCERTS & FESTIVAL
The conference includes concerts and a festival which are open to the public! Pan American Center at NMSU is the site for the Student Showcase Concert on Friday evening, and Spectacular Concert on Saturday. Some of the most popular performers of Mariachi Music have performed on the Spectacular Concert stage through the years, including Lola Beltran, Aida Cuevas, Ana Gabriel, Vikki Carr, Linda Ronstadt, Pepe Aguilar and Pedro Fernandez. Mariachi groups that have performed in past years are Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitclan, Mariachi Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Cobre, Mariachi Divas, Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles and Mariachi Mujer 2000.

The two-day Parque Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Young Park offers family entertainment, music, dance, artisans and the popular New Mexico foods.

All are invited to celebrate at the traditional Mariachi Mass at the Pan American Center on the NMSU Campus on Sunday. Mariachi Cobre assists with the liturgical music of the mass.