Tuesday on Lubbock's First News, Rachel Salaiz, a mathmatics and vocal performance student at Texas Tech University, talked about placing as a finalist in the Mariachi Vocals competition and gave a sample of her upcoming performance.

The 19th Annual Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza will take place in San Antonio on December 7, where mariachi bands and vocalists will compete. The competition will be held at the Lila Cockrell Theater. Salaiz also placed in the 2012 competition.

Salaiz discussed her love for music and pursuit of music education. She reflected, "I grew up idolizing Salina, not even knowing that I was listening to mariachi music." She joined a mariachi group at school, where she gained interest in and dedication to the music.

Listen to the full interview for a sample of Salaiz's talent:

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