By Gutierrez                                           H.R. No. 510
         76R9819 GMW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The University of Texas--Pan American (UTPA)
 1-2     Folkloric Dance Company and Mariachi program have long been a
 1-3     source of great pride to the university and citizens of South
 1-4     Texas; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, Founded in 1970 by Dr. Amilda Thomas, the UTPA
 1-6     Folkloric Dance Company began as an extracurricular activity for
 1-7     students interested in performing the traditional dances of Mexico;
 1-8     in 1979 the program became a credited class in the department of
 1-9     health and physical education, and over the course of the past two
1-10     decades, it has expanded and flourished, presenting concerts
1-11     nationwide and hosting numerous guest artists and consultants from
1-12     the United States, Mexico, and Spain; and
1-13           WHEREAS, The Folkloric Dance Company is currently under the
1-14     direction of Maria Oralia Munoz and Francisco Munoz and comprises
1-15     24 talented students; this estimable program not only furthers the
1-16     physical, mental, social, and cultural development of its dancers,
1-17     but also provides a valuable service to the community; and
1-18           WHEREAS, The UTPA Mariachi program was founded in 1988 by Dr.
1-19     Dahlia Guerra to promote the music and traditions of the Hispanic
1-20     culture while performing all styles of Mexican folk music; the
1-21     student musicians, many of whom go on to become mariachi
1-22     instructors, perform in authentic charro costumes and play
1-23     traditional mariachi instruments; and
1-24           WHEREAS, Members of this esteemed mariachi ensemble have
 2-1     entertained audiences with authentic renditions of Mexican folk
 2-2     music at many notable events; in addition to showcasing their
 2-3     talents in a performance for the United States Congress and at an
 2-4     international mariachi contest in Guadalajara, Mexico, they also
 2-5     won first place for the past four years at the annual nationwide
 2-6     competition for college and university mariachi programs held in
 2-7     San Antonio; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, In 1995 the Folkloric Dance Company and the Mariachi
 2-9     program began a joint concert season, and this exciting
2-10     collaboration has produced a truly entertaining and distinctive
2-11     union of music and dance; the two distinguished groups also
2-12     traveled together to Ottawa, Canada, in 1996 to perform in the
2-13     Dieciseis de Septiembre Festival; and
2-14           WHEREAS, Both the Folkloric Dance Company and the Mariachi
2-15     program of The University of Texas--Pan American play a vital role
2-16     in the preservation of our state's Hispanic heritage, and it is
2-17     indeed fitting to honor all those associated with these talented
2-18     groups for their many years of dedication to the performing arts;
2-19     now, therefore, be it
2-20           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
2-21     Legislature hereby honor The University of Texas--Pan American
2-22     Folkloric Dance Company and Mariachi program and extend to the
2-23     groups' members sincere best wishes for continued success and
2-24     happiness; and, be it further
2-25           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-26     prepared for The University of Texas--Pan American Folkloric Dance
2-27     Company and Mariachi program as an expression of high regard by the
 3-1     Texas House of Representatives.