The Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) was created in 2006 to promote an interest and appreciation for reading and early literacy, celebrate and appreciate the arts and humanities, and broaden cultural awareness within the South Texas community.
Presented by the Department of Communication and the McAllen Film Commission, this competition presents an opportunity for students to earn scholarships by submitting shots/scenes of the Rio Grande Valley.
Performance by Shoko and Brendan Kinsella (Duo Piano), Music Dept. Faculty Orchestra and UTPA Modern Dance Co.
Students from the Region One GEAR ESC GEAR UP Program will visit the campus and experience an exciting, educational and inspiring lineup of presenters and activities, geared towards improving their literacy skills, finding their "voice" within multiple facets of the arts and humanities, and making them cognizant of the importance of reading and writing in their career and life success.
Co-sponsored by the South Texas Literacy Coalition, this event will invite librarians, teachers and administrators to come learn about the latest initiatives and programs available to improve students’ literacy skills.
Students from the Region One GEAR ESC GEAR UP Program will visit the campus and experience an exciting, educational and inspiring lineup of presenters and activities, geared towards improving their literacy skills, finding their "voice" within multiple facets of the arts and humanities, and making them cognizant of the importance of reading and writing in their career and life success.
More than 600 students from all over the state will face off during the Middle School and High School Mariachi Competition. The culmination of this festive event is an evening concert featuring the world-famous Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernandez, UTPA Mariachi Aztlán, and the winners of the middle school and high school competition. The event is open to the public. An exciting new addition this year is the performance of the UTPA Symphony Orchestra with Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernandez, directed by internationally acclaimed conductor, Alondra de la Parra!
Art walk featuring works by selected art students and the UTPA African Drumming Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Virginia Davis.
Featuring internationally recognized conductor, Alondra de la Parra. Students from the UTPA Music Program and high schools in South Texas will study orchestral repertoire, technique and musicianship with internationally recognized conductor Alondra de la Parra and UTPA faculty, including violinist and the Marialice Shivers Endowed Chair in Fine Arts Dr. Daniel Andai, violist Dr. Joel Pagan, cellist Dr. Tido Jansen, and bassist Dr. George Amorin.
The Marialice Shivers Endowed Chair and UTPA Visiting Assistant Professor of Violin Dr. Daniel Andai and UTPA Associate Professor of Viola Dr. Joel Pagan are joined by guest artists Carmelo de los Santos (violinist, Assistant Professor of Violin at the University of New Mexico and winner of the IV "Júlio Cardona" International Competition in Portugal) and Timothy Deighton (viola, Professor of Viola at Penn State University and recipient of the String Teacher of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania-Delaware String Teachers Association) to present an evening of beautiful music,Together!
UTPA Broncs mascot Bucky made some new friends as he and children throughout the community listened to authors tell stories at the Festival of International Books and Arts (FESTIBA) Community Day at Jardín Del Arte in Edinburg March 22.