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Vanessa Moreno was born and raised on the south side of San Antonio. She was introduced to mariachi music by her parents and has played the vihuela since age 6. Vanessa has been a founding member of Mariachi Las Alteñas since 2002 and is the group’s assistant administrator. In 1992, she began playing with the Wesley Community mariachi program but moved to the Harlandale ISD mariachi, where she remained a part of that program until her senior year in 2004. Vanessa graduated from McCollum High School in 2004 and 2013 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in music plus a mariachi certificate from Texas State University. While attending Texas State, Vanessa had the opportunity to perform with the award-winning Mariachi Nueva Generacion. In 2010, she competed at the national Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza Vocal Competition and received 1st place in the university category. In 2012, she traveled with the university group to South America, where she had the opportunity to perform for a live audience in Santiago, Chile. Music has allowed her to perform at prestigious venues such as performing live on America’s Got Talent while accompanying Sebastien De La Cruz. Vanessa is a featured vocalist in Las Alteñas and is the spokesperson for the group during performances. She has a way with the audience that leaves people smiling and wanting more. Vanessa is known for her skills on the vihuela and was nicknamed “manita de oro.” She was also the mariachi director ... view more »
Resume (PDF)
Work Samples (PDF)
MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST
Artist Style: Music: A Cappella, Acoustic, Mariachi, Regional Mexican; Teaching Artist/Instructor: Group Instruction, Guest Speaker, Instruction for Adults, Instruction for Children, Instruction for Seniors, Multi-Day Artist Residency, Performer for Schools/Classrooms, Private Lessons, Workshop Presenter
Artist Statement of Work
Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):
Music is more than just sound—it is storytelling, culture, and emotion woven together in every note. From the moment I first held a vihuela at the age of six, mariachi music has been the heart of my artistic journey. It is a tradition that speaks to my soul and connects me to my heritage, my community, and audiences around the world.
As a vocalist, musician, and teacher, my goal is to honor and evolve the mariachi tradition. Whether performing as a founding member of Mariachi Las Alteñas, competing on national stages, or teaching the next generation of musicians, I seek to bring passion and authenticity to every performance. The power of mariachi lies not only in its rich harmonies and rhythmic drive but in its ability to bring people together—bridging generations and cultures through music.
I am especially drawn to the storytelling aspect of performance. Through song, I aim to captivate and move audiences, ensuring that each lyric and melody leaves an impression that lingers long after the final note fades. My experiences, from performing on America’s Got Talent to sharing mariachi with audiences in South America, have deepened my commitment to this art form.
Beyond performance, I believe in the transformative power of music education. Having served as a mariachi director in public schools, I take pride in passing on the traditions and discipline of this craft, ensuring that the next generation carries forward the music that has shaped my life.
Whether on stage or in the classroom, my mission remains the same—to share the beauty, power, and passion of mariachi, one song at a time.
