Just as cowboys gather to test their mettle in rodeos across the American West, a different kind of competition is taking the spotlight in South Texas. "Going Varsity in Mariachi," a new Netflix documentary, reveals the high-stakes world of competitive high school mariachi, where young musicians showcase skills as finely honed as any bull rider or barrel racer.

The Showdown at High Noon

In the dusty arena of South Texas high schools, mariachi reigns supreme. Like any proper Western showdown, these competitions pit the best against the best, with glory and pride on the line. The documentary, directed by Sam Osborn and Alejandra Vasquez, follows Edinburg North High School's Mariachi Oro as they chase the ultimate prize: the state championship.

The Lone Star State's Musical Cowboys

Under the guidance of Coach Abel Acuña, a seasoned trail boss in the world of mariachi, Mariachi Oro faces challenges that would make even the toughest ranch hand sweat. With a budget tighter than new leather and a roster of greenhorns, Acuña must mold his team into musical gunslingers capable of bringing home the gold.

The Young Guns

The documentary spotlights several standout performers, each with their own tale of grit and determination:

• Abby: A senior trumpet player and team captain, as steady as a seasoned trail boss

• Marlena: A senior violinist, playing through personal trials like a true cowgirl

• Bella: A junior violinist, balancing mariachi with other pursuits like a skilled ranch hand juggling chores

The Road to Glory

Just as cowboys travel the circuit chasing rodeo glory, "Going Varsity in Mariachi" follows Mariachi Oro's journey through two major competitions: the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza National Group Competition and the UIL State Competition. Viewers witness the blood, sweat, and tears poured into every note, experiencing the thrill of performance as palpable as any eight-second ride.

More Than Just a Song

But this isn't just about the music. The documentary gets deep into how mariachi preserves Mexican-American heritage in the Lone Star State. It's a story of cultural roots as deep and strong as any old mesquite, showing how these young musicians connect with their history while blazing new trails.

The Men Behind the Camera

Directors Sam Osborn and Alejandra Vasquez, along with their posse at Osmosis Films, have captured the spirit of competitive mariachi with the keen eye of a sharp-shooting cameraman. Their work brings the vibrancy and emotion of this uniquely Texan tradition to screens across the world.

Critics Tip Their Hats

"Going Varsity in Mariachi" has critics cheering louder than a rodeo crowd. With a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it's clear this documentary has struck gold. Reviewers praise its ability to showcase how these young musicians wrangle their talents to create something truly special.

The Instruments: Tools of the Trade

Just as a cowboy is nothing without his trusty lasso or saddle, a mariachi musician's instruments are extensions of themselves. The documentary showcases the dedication these young performers have to mastering their tools:

• Violins: Played with the precision of a skilled roper

• Trumpets: Blaring bold as a dinner bell on the range

• Guitarrón: The backbone of the ensemble, steady as a seasoned trail horse

• Vihuela: Adding flavor to the music like spices in a pot of chuck wagon chili

Practice Makes Perfect

The film reveals grueling practice sessions that would make even the toughest bronc rider wince. These young musicians put in hours that rival any ranch hand's day, fine-tuning their skills from sun-up to sundown. It's a reminder that whether you're breaking horses or breaking in new sheet music, there's no substitute for hard work and determination.

Family Ties

In true Western fashion, "Going Varsity in Mariachi" highlights the importance of family and community. Like a tight-knit ranching clan, these students lean on each other and their loved ones for support. The film shows how mariachi music often runs in families, passed down from generation to generation like a well-worn pair of boots or a cherished family recipe.

The Showdown

The state championship competition is portrayed as the ultimate showdown, akin to the tension-filled moments before a high-stakes quick-draw duel. Teams from across the Lone Star State converge, each vying to prove they're the fastest, most skilled musical gunslingers in all of Texas.

Beyond the Border

While rooted deeply in Texas soil, the documentary shows how mariachi music, like the spirit of the West itself, knows no borders. It's a reminder that the values of hard work, dedication, and pride in one's heritage are universal, whether you're herding cattle in Montana or playing a violin in the Rio Grande Valley.

A New Frontier

"Going Varsity in Mariachi" ultimately paints a picture of a new frontier in Texas culture. It shows how these young musicians are blazing trails and bridging cultures, much like the pioneers who first settled the West. Their journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and innovation that has always defined the American West.

Saddle Up and Watch

If you've got a hankering for a story of true grit, passion, and cultural pride, mosey on over to Netflix and give "Going Varsity in Mariachi" a watch. It's a reminder that whether you're astride a horse or behind a trumpet, the spirit of the West lives on in those who dare to dream big and work hard. So grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and enjoy this toe-tapping tale of Texas-sized talent.

Richard Sutherland

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Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.