Josephine Garcia Vargas

Alteña since: 2011

Instruments: Guitarrón, Guitar, Vihuela, Vocals

Josie Fact: Josie is also Joke-sie.

Josephine Garcia Vargas joined Mariachi Las Alteñas in 2011. Her role as the group’s guitarronista plays a crucial part in the group, as she is the heartbeat of the ensemble. Her talent and skill as a musician don’t stop there. Josie is also a guitar and vihuela player. Her passion for mariachi music stems from generations of musicians within her family. Josie started learning music in the Harlandale ISD mariachi program since the 4th grade. By age 13, she and her sisters formed a group with other friends from the Harlandale mariachi program. Josie acquired experience while playing in multiple groups until she joined the Alteña family. Aside from being a musician, she has a career in counseling. Before this, she was an elementary school teacher for six years. Working with kids made her see how students struggle with social-emotional wellness; this led her to be a school counselor for six years. Josie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from Texas A&M University-San Antonio. In May of 2022, she received her certification as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and ventured out of the education sector to accept a position as a mental health clinician. Whatever changes come her way, Josie hopes to continue playing mariachi music.