Fiesta is a particular time in San Antonio, and one of many occasions that brings downtown to life every year is the Texas Cavaliers River Parade.
Within the weeks main as much as Fiesta, town begins to construct momentum. There are pre-Fiesta occasions throughout San Antonio the place locals accumulate medals, reconnect with group, and prepare for what’s forward. I attended a type of occasions hosted by the Texas State College Alumni Affiliation and, as a proud alum, was excited so as to add a Texas State Fiesta medal to my assortment.
Through the occasion, we heard updates from the college and what’s occurring in San Marcos. Texas State continues to develop its presence as a number one establishment, and one program specifically stood out to me: Texas State Conjunto, which launched in Fall 2025 underneath the path of professor, accordionist, and Grammy Award-winning producer Joel Guzmán.
The point out of a culturally wealthy program and what was coming is a Fiesta story that I’ve to share.
The ensemble was invited to carry out within the 2026 Texas Cavaliers River Parade on the MTV float. For a program that’s lower than a yr previous, this can be a main second for each the scholars and the college.
Due to area limitations on the river barges, the performing group was set to be a four-piece ensemble: Jorge Dovalina (vocals), Mario Gonzales (bass), Jose de Hoyos (drums and sound technician), and Amado Sanchez Hernandez (accordion). Collectively, they ready a 20-song set that includes classics starting from “Juana La Cubana” to “Volver, Volver” and different foundational conjunto songs.
Replace (April 20): On account of wet circumstances, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade has been canceled. Because of this, TXST Conjunto won’t carry out as scheduled.
Even so, the second nonetheless stands. For a program that launched lower than a yr in the past, being invited to certainly one of San Antonio’s most seen levels speaks to the expertise of the scholars and the intention behind this system. The preparation, the self-discipline, and the dedication to the music don’t disappear with the rain.
Per week earlier than the parade, I spoke with Guzmán about constructing this system, making ready college students for a stage like this, and why he’s dedicated to preserving the roots of conjunto music.
This dialog has been flippantly edited for readability and circulate.
Interview with Texas State Professor, Accordionist and Grammy award profitable producer Joel Guzmán
Melanie: Hello Joel, that is Melanie. Good to fulfill you. Thanks for taking the time.
Joel: Good to fulfill you too. I actually admire what you’re doing. Your platform feels very linked to business, training, and tradition.
Melanie: I admire that. I needed to speak to you concerning the conjunto ensemble at Texas State and your upcoming efficiency within the river parade.
On the Texas State conjunto program
M: I noticed that this system is new. Inform me about that.
J: We simply began in Fall 2025. Once I got here on board, I advised them, give me six weeks and we’ll have a conjunto. And we did. The scholars had been prepared. That they had the spirit.
What individuals will see is an ensemble that feels skilled. They received’t know that is solely their first or second semester. And that’s the way it needs to be. The varsity may be very nicely represented.
On being chosen for the Fiesta river parade
M: What was your response once you had been advised the group can be within the river parade?
J: At first, I didn’t even join it to Fiesta. As a touring musician, you don’t at all times plug into native occasions like that. However after I realized what it was, I believed, this can be a nice alternative. It’s an opportunity for Texas State to indicate San Antonio that we’re a part of this tradition, that we’re severe about conjunto.
On making ready college students for a serious efficiency
M: What has preparation regarded like for one thing like this?
J: I needed to put together them to function independently. I received’t be on the boat with them, so that they should run the present themselves. They’re taking part in on a transferring boat, managing sound, performing for an hour and a half. That takes actual preparation. The viewers received’t see that work, however they’ll see the consequence.
On the scholars
M: Inform me concerning the college students and what this expertise means for them.
J: Quite a lot of them are from San Antonio. Some perceive Fiesta, some don’t totally notice how huge that is but. However I belief them. They’re gifted they usually help one another. There’s an actual sense of household in this system, and that makes a distinction.
On the sound of the efficiency
M: How would you describe what individuals will hear?
J: They’re going to listen to genuine conjunto. The roots. The unique fashion. We’re not doing progressive norteño or Tejano with keyboards. That is stripped down. Accordion, bass, drums, voice. The inspiration. It’s like asking the way you describe the blues. You simply really feel it.
On why he teaches conventional conjunto
M: Why was it essential to concentrate on that conventional sound?
J: As a result of it’s the muse. In the event you research the masters, you’ll be able to department out into something—Tejano, norteño, different kinds. In the event you skip that, you lose one thing. I see it as a accountability. You don’t wish to misguide a complete technology. If you wish to study classical music, you research Beethoven and Mozart. If you wish to study conjunto, you research the masters.
On his function as an educator
M: You’ve had such a protracted profession. What introduced you into instructing?
J: It’s a ardour. I’ve been doing this since I used to be a child. Touring, producing, performing. However now, it’s about giving again. Instructing the tradition, the music, the language. Working with younger individuals. I see it as my obligation to behave as a bridge between the previous and the long run.
On the importance of this second
M: This seems like an enormous second. A conjunto group from Texas State on a serious Fiesta stage.
J: It’s. And hopefully it units the tone for extra alternatives like this. Greater levels, extra visibility. That’s the purpose.
Even with out the historic efficiency going down, that concept stays. The work continues, the scholars continue learning, and the music carries ahead—on stage or not. That is what it appears like to hold nuestra cultura ahead.
Study extra about TXST Conjunto on the Texas State College of Music web site.
Fiesta-goers can nonetheless see TXST at Fiesta within the Battle of Flowers parade on Friday, April 23. Search for the States Up balloon!
