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Mariachi / Orchestra
Orchestra & Mariachi Arts Academy
Dallas ISD’s MARIACHI LOS UNICOS de Greiner Middle School Exploratory Arts Academy
Over fifteen years ago, this mariachi was the only middle school mariachi in the Dallas Independent School District. Therefore, their director, Maria Vargas-Garcia, named them “Los Unicos”, meaning “The Only” and “Unique”. In this time span, they have become an award-winning mariachi, having won the “Best-in-Class” and Grand Champion award in several competitions. They have performed at many local events, including Six Flags, the State Fair of Texas, The House Of Blues, the Dallas Maverick’s Dia de Los Mavs, San Antonio’s TMEA, for our former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and have accompanied Latin Grammy Award Winner, Christian Nodal.
They have traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they participated in workshops with world renowned mariachi musicians and educators.
Los Unicos were also voted The Dallas Observer’s “DFW’s Best Latin Act”!
This mariachi is composed of twelve- to fourteen-year-old students in seventh and eighth grades under the direction of Mrs. Maria Vargas-Garcia and Felipe Diaz.
Dallas ISD’s YELLOWJACKET ORCHESTRA
Greiner Middle School Exploratory Arts Academy
The Yellow Jacket orchestra is composed of talented 6th through 8th graders. The Yellow Jacket Orchestra is an award-winning orchestra, having won the “Sweepstakes” award at UIL for the last 14 consecutive years under the direction of Maria Garcia and now Co-Director Felipe Diaz. The orchestra has attended many festivals where they have earned the “Best-in-Class” and Grand Champion award, along with many division ONE awards.
They traveled to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and came back with the “Best-in-Class” Award, Disney Gold and Superior trophies.
The Greiner orchestra has performed for weddings, at the Dallas Zoo for Zoo Lights, the Galleria Mall, the Anatole Hotel, The Women’s Museum and at the State Fair. They strive to make beautiful music and love to perform classical to popular music in hopes of captivating their audiences.