Tomball High School Mariachi Advances to State in Historic First UIL Appearance

TOMBALL — Tomball High School’s Mariachi Herencia has advanced to the UIL State Mariachi Competition after earning a Division I varsity ensemble rating at the Coastal Bend Region (Houston-area) competition on January 28, 2026. The achievement marks the program’s first-ever UIL competition and comes during just its second year in existence.

Established during the 2024–2025 school year, Mariachi Herencia made its UIL debut on January 28, qualifying for the state contest—the highest level of high school mariachi performance in Texas—scheduled for February 19–21, 2026, at the Seguin ISD Performing Arts Center in Seguin, Texas.

The regional competition was hosted at Tomball High School, where the campus welcomed 17 mariachi ensembles from across Greater Houston after an ice storm forced the original Corpus Christi location to relocate. Tomball High School stepped in to ensure students could safely compete, underscoring the district’s commitment to fine arts and student opportunity.

Led by program director Miguel Aguirre, Mariachi Herencia delivered a performance that impressed judges and secured the ensemble’s place among the top mariachi groups in the state.

“Mariachi Herencia from Tomball High School performed at the UIL Area Mariachi contest and received an overall Division I, qualifying for the UIL State Contest,” Aguirre said. “The students have been working hard, and I am so proud of them for rising to the challenge and overcoming it.”

“With this being the first time going to UIL for the program—and my first time taking a group to UIL in my career—I could not be more grateful and overall blessed to have these kids as my students,” Aguirre added. “As a second-year teacher, I could not be more happy for them.”

“What Mariachi Herencia has achieved is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Paulette Torchia, Tomball ISD Director of Fine Arts. “To launch a competitive program and, in that very same year, secure a place among the best in Texas at the UIL State Festival speaks volumes about the talent and tenacity of our students.”

From its establishment to a state-qualifying performance in a remarkably short time, the Tomball High School Mariachi program continues to set a strong foundation for future success while celebrating the rich cultural tradition of mariachi music.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD

Tomball ISD empowers students to become impactful, contributing citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous and personally valuable educational experiences while partnering with the community. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 23,000 students across 25 campuses.