Coastal Bend College Names Abel Acuña as Mariachi Director

Beeville, TX — Coastal Bend College has named Abel Acuña as its new Mariachi Director, bringing more than 30 years of experience in performance, education, and program leadership to the College.

Acuña has been playing mariachi music for over three decades. He began his journey as a student at Edinburg North High School, where he joined Mariachi Oro during his sophomore year under the direction of Moises Llanes and Roel Flores. He went on to perform with various groups across the Rio Grande Valley while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at the University of Texas–Pan American (now the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley). During this time, he performed with the nationally acclaimed Mariachi Aztlán under the direction of Dr. Dahlia Guerra and Professor Francisco Loera.

Over the course of his career, Acuña has built a strong reputation for excellence in mariachi education and student mentorship. During his sixteen years as director of Edinburg North High School Mariachi, he led Mariachi Oro to two State Championships, one National Grand Champion title in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ten UIL State Superior Ratings, and an invitation to perform at the world-renowned Iguazu En Concierto International Youth Music Festival in Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina.

Acuña’s dedication to mariachi has had a lasting impact on his students and community. His work was featured in the 2023 Sundance award-winning documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi, now available to stream on Netflix, which follows his acclaimed high school mariachi program as they prepare for the state championship.

"I am honored to join the Coastal Bend College community," Acuña stated, "I look forward to contributing to our rich cultural traditions and delivering performances that resonate with the spirit of our community."

Acuña says his life was transformed by music, and he aims to create that same impact for future generations by sharing his passion, serving as a mentor, and building a strong, student-centered mariachi program at Coastal Bend College.

This announcement marks the latest development in the highly anticipated Coastal Bend College Mariachi program, where Acuña will lead the development of a dynamic ensemble that fosters performance, cultural connection, and community engagement.

 Audition opportunities for students interested in joining the Coastal Bend College Mariachi program will be announced soon.

For more information, email mariachi@coastalbend.edu.