Mariachi Syllabus 2017-2018 Teacher: Mrs. Smith Email: asmith18@yisd.net Google Classroom code: 93wx5e Remind YWLA code: @20172018yw Remind Class code: @h842cb Conference: Period 1 7:45 8:30am Course Description Beginning Orchestra is for students who are new to playing string instruments or for students who have had less than six months of instruction. No prior music experience is required. The focus will be on the basic techniques for playing string instruments, basic music theory, as well as basic music literature and history. This group will perform two concerts during the school year. Tutoring Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday- 3:25 to 4:00 Cottage 3 Extra help will be provided during this time for any music student. Mariachi Club: Wednesdays - 3:25 4:00pm. It is optional for Mariachi students to attend Mariachi club most weeks. However, on selected Wednesdays before concerts, all Mariachi students will be required to attend the club practice time, so we may put the whole ensemble together. Syllabus subject to change as needed. 1st 9wks Overview Unit 1: History of Mariachi 1. Names and playing positions of all mariachi instruments 2. Basic musicianship note reading and rhythm basics 3. De Colores (Ranchera) De Colores and El Pollito (son jalisciense) 2nd 9wks Overview Unit 2: December Performance 1. Rhythms concepts: Half notes, half rests, Eighth notes 2. Mariachi Songs to be announced 3. Los Mananitas 3rd 9wks Overview Unit 3: Expanded Musicianship Development
1. Time, Tie and Slur, Major Scale 2. Upbeat or Pick up, D.C. al Fine 3. Mariachi Songs to be announced 4th 9wks Overview Unit 4: Spring Performance 1. Expanded Keys 2. Mariachi songs to be announced Homework, Quizzes, Tests, Projects, and 9 Weeks Tests to expect: Homework: -Students are expected to review their vocal music at home. Quizzes: Will be given once per week to include current concept being taught as well as spiraled curriculum. Tests: A playing and/or written test will be given at the third and sixth week of the 9 weeks. Project: One project will be done each nine-weeks. Mariachi projects include topics such as music compositions, solo repertoire, composers, and improvisation. 9 weeks tests First 9 weeks test: October 16-20, 2017 Second 9 weeks test: December 11-15, 2017 Third 9 weeks test: March 5-9, 2018 Fourth 9 weeks test: May 29 -June 1, 2018 Online Resources/Textbooks: Mariachi Online Resources: http://www.sobrino.net/mer/ Smithsonian Folkways Information about music from around the world: http://www.folkways.si.edu/lesson-plans/smithsonian#north_america Music Theory Lessons and Instruction: https://www.musictheory.net https://www.teoria.com http://oneminutemusiclesson.com/lessons/ Instruments 1. YWLA has a limited number of mariachi instruments for students to use during class time. The school owns Guitarrons, Vihuelas, and Guitars. (Trumpets will need to be provided by the student.) YWLA mariachi string instruments will stay at school. 2. Students may practice their instrument during after school practice time on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mrs. Smith is usually available before school for early practice sessions also. (Students should check with Mrs. Smith about morning availability.) 3. Later in the school year, some instruments may be available for students to take home with a rental fee. Mrs. Smith will provide information about rentals at a later date.
Where to get mariachi accessories: Here is a list of some music stores in El Paso. Olivas Music Eastside: 1320 N. Zaragoza, Suite 115 El Paso, TX 79936 915-858-6700 Olivas Music Westside: 125 Thunderbird, Suite H, El Paso, TX 79912 915-833-0346 Strings and Things: 10568 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925 915-629-9004 Repair and Maintenance If any school instrument needs repair, students should notify Mrs. Smith immediately. Mrs. Smith will arrange to have the instrument repaired. Program Fee: 1. All students in the music program are asked to pay a $25 program fee by November 1. (Cash only, please). 2. This fee will cover all the music we will be playing this year, the music binder, sheet protectors, and fees for music events (like the solo and ensemble contest). 3. Please speak with Mrs. Smith if you need to work out a payment plan. Performance Attire for Beginning Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra Plain black dress pants (no jeans or leggings) Plain white button down dress shirt with long sleeves, tucked in. (no tank tops or sleeveless) (White button down shirts are often found in the boys or men s section of a clothing store.) Black dress shoes and black socks or hose (no sneakers) Green Mariachi Bow (for neck) provided by YWLA Colorful bows or flowers in hair Performances 1. Performances are mandatory and are part of the class grade. 2. Individual participation is crucial to the success of the orchestra as a whole. 3. Absences from performance are unexcused and will affect the student s grade. 4. Illness or family emergencies are excused absences. 5. Mrs. Smith should be notified as soon as possible about an absence for a performance. Performance Dates: Please mark your calendars. 1. Dia De Los Muertos Mariachi and Folklorico Festival October 26 Evening (Time to be announced) YISD Central Office Theater (9600 Sims Drive) 2. Winter Program December 15, 2017, 7:30pm, YWLA Gym (The Theater program will also present a play in Spanish). 3. Spring Program April 20, 6:30pm, YISD District Office Theatre (9600 Sims Drive) Other Music Events Saturday, May 5 Solo and Ensemble Contest The Mariachi Students will perform. Other performances may be added.
Fingernails: Orchestra students must keep their fingernails short and trimmed to play their instrument correctly. Short fingernails are needed for good intonation. Students should not grow their fingernails long or get acrylic nails. School-wide Expectations: 5 P s: Be Prompt, Prepared, Productive, Polite, and Passionate Attendance Policy: 90% RULE FOR LOSS OF CREDIT A student must be present 90% of the days the class is offered in order to receive credit (middle and high school) or to be promoted to the next grade level (elementary school). All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. Parents will be notified prior to and at the actual point the student s attendance, in any class, falls below 90%. When a student s attendance drops below 90% but remains at least 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal. If the student fails to complete the plan set by the principal, or if attendance falls below 75% of the days the class is offered, the student, parent, or representative may request award of credit by submitting a written petition to the appropriate campus attendance committee. Petitions for credit may be filed at any time the student receives notice but not later than 30 days after the last day of classes. An attendance committee at the campus will determine if credit will be awarded or if the student will be promoted to next grade level based on extenuating circumstances and what is in the best interest of the student, as provided in Policy FEC (LOCAL). The attendance committee may also impose conditions for the student to abide by for the remainder of the grading period before awarding credit/promotion. This applies to all grade levels. See Policy FEC (LEGAL) and (LOCAL). School-wide Policies: Review attached link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oqh4h7uqtda3lrbyf3erlfwsitqzgs-m3w6i9s7hqkq Upcoming School Events: Mark your calendar 8/21 Meet the Teacher night 9/4 Labor Day No School 9/27 Early Release 10/24 PSAT 10/25 Early Release 10/27 End of Nine Weeks Parent Homework: Encourage your daughter to set aside time each day for practice. Instrument practice will be done at school. Students should set aside time to review vocal parts at home.