Silver City, NM - A recent competition win by Mariachi Plata, Western New Mexico University's mariachi ensemble, has opened doors to upcoming workshops and competitions throughout the region.

Mariachi Plata is in its fifth semester at WNMU. The fifteen-member group, made up of students from Silver City, Deming and El Paso, competed at Mariachi Spectacular in Albuquerque, earlier in July, earning a second place finish in the university category.

"We were only together for two weeks this summer," said Bryant Chaffino, the ensemble's music instructor. "We practiced day and night and I'm really proud of this group's dedication and talent."

Mariachi Ensemble is offered as a two-credit course each semester with classes meeting on Monday and Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in Parotti Hall.

"Having a vibrant, active mariachi ensemble on campus is important to our culture here and supports our university as a Hispanic Serving Institution," said Chaffino.

The group's success in Albuquerque has led to opportunities in California and New Mexico.

"Thanks to the performance we have been invited to participate in a mariachi summit in San Diego," said Chaffino. "We are also scheduled to perform at the Santa Fe Opera House in September."

The WNMU Music Program and Mariachi Plata group members are organizing a three-day mariachi workshop and performance event to be held in the Fine Arts Center Theatre beginning September 15.

"We are inviting the entire southwest community to come out to our performances and to support our talented students in the upcoming year," said Chaffino. "We have an account with the University Foundation and we would like to thank the local community for supporting us monetarily."

For information on performance dates, or to support Mariachi Plata through the University Foundation, contact 575-538-6617.