By Leslie Fuentes
Public Communications
In late April, Humble High School sophomore Gabriella Castro proudly represented Humble ISD as a finalist in the second annual Texas Southmost College Mariachi Festival Vocal Competition in Brownsville. A dedicated member of Humble ISD’s Mariachi Los Tres Gatos, Castro made district history by becoming the first Humble ISD student to be named a finalist in this prestigious state-level event.
Held April 25–26, the festival brought together student performers from across Texas, offering educational workshops and performance opportunities that celebrate and promote mariachi music. Middle and high school students statewide submitted audition videos for a chance to be one of only 25 finalists selected to compete live in Brownsville.
Castro stood out as the only finalist from the Houston area and competed alongside students from cities such as Rio Grande City, Laredo, Mission, Los Fresnos, McAllen, San Antonio, Edinburg, San Marcos, Premont, and San Benito—many of which have long-standing, well-established mariachi programs.
“This is a major accomplishment, especially considering the competitive field,” said Humble ISD Mariachi Director Samara Martinez. “There aren’t as many mariachi competitions in the Houston area, so to have Gabby selected as a finalist from a newer program like ours is especially meaningful.”
Castro’s audition to be considered for the vocal competition featured her performance of La Muerte del Palomo by Spanish singer Rocío Dúrcal, accompanied by a live mariachi ensemble—an added challenge that required close musical coordination and control.
“This song is vocally demanding because Rocío was one of those artists who had a huge range,” Martinez said. “It starts with low notes and then transitions into rapid shifts in pitch. It’s a challenging song, but it’s beautiful, and Gabby is always up for a challenge.”
Although Castro began singing on her own at just six years old, she didn’t formally take vocal lessons until joining the mariachi program at Ross Sterling Middle School during her 8th grade year. Since then, her vocal range and technique have significantly developed under the guidance of Ms. Martinez.
“When she first heard me sing, she offered feedback that really shaped my voice,” Castro said. “It has helped me become the singer I am today.”
During the Mariachi Festival in Brownsville, Castro performed live in front of a panel of judges, backed by the University of Houston’s Mariachi Pumas. She also had the opportunity to see a performance by Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, a renowned all-female ensemble that inspired her further.
“It was a different experience,” Castro said. “Instead of singing for a smaller group, I was competing against students from some of the top programs in the state, in front of expert judges.”
While she did not place in the top three, the judges praised Castro for her stage presence and her ability to convey emotion.
Looking ahead, Castro plans to continue with Mariachi Los Tres Gatos throughout high school and hopes to participate in more vocal competitions in the future.