Wood Middle School Orchestra And Mariachi Where Tradition Begins!

Wood Middle School Orchestra And Mariachi Where Tradition Begins! 2016-2017 Dear Wood Orchestra and Mariachi Students and Parents, Welcome to the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year! I am excited about what this year has in store for the Wood Orchestra and Mariachi program. I feel that your decision to participate in music is possibly one of the most satisfying and fulfilling choices a student can make during their years in school. Participating in the orchestra or mariachi program will develop many life-long skills. Students will experience and demonstrate teamwork, self-discipline, creative thinking skills, and personal achievement on a daily basis. In order to help you understand your involvement in and your commitment to the Wood Orchestra and Mariachi Program, I would appreciate it if both students and parents to read through this handbook, signed and return the appropriate forms to me. Please pay special attention to the orchestra calendar and let me know as soon as possible if you have any questions or conflicts concerning these dates. Before every orchestra/mariachi event during the school year, a reminder note will be sent home concerning specific times, what to wear, supplies needed, etc. Students must be picked up on time from any orchestra and/or mariachi event. If there are ever any questions or concerns regarding the orchestra or mariachi program, do not hesitate to call or e-mail. Mr. Rodriguez will be assisting with the Mariachi program as well as the choir programs! I look forward to a great year! Wood M.S. 356-6200 Orchestra e-mail: dluna4@neisd.net Sincerely, Ms. Luna Mr. Rodriguez Mr. Alvarez Orchestra Director Mariachi Director Principal 1

The Wood Orchestra Program Students in the Wood Orchestra Program will be placed in one of six performing groups. These include: 6 th Grade Strings I, 6 th Grade Strings II, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Honors Orchestra, and the Mariachi Program. Morning and/or afternoon rehearsals and sectionals outside of class time with these groups will be necessary before some concerts and contests. Auditions will be held in May 2017 for placement in the Philharmonic and Honors Orchestras. These are ability-based auditions combined with several other determining factors such as: attitude, classroom and school wide behavior throughout the current school year, eligibility, and overall orchestra participation. The students will be placed where they will be the most successful. The orchestra director will ensure that each student has the opportunity for growth and achievement as a young musician. It is important that all orchestra members realize they are part of a team. Each and every member is a vital part of the entire Wood Orchestra Program. Students need to make a serious commitment to contribute their best efforts throughout the school year. The Wood Mariachi Program The Wood Mariachi Program will be an afterschool program for beginners and a class period for the advanced 7 th /8 th graders. All Mariachi students will be required to be in band, orchestra, or choir to participate in the mariachi program. All students must play an instrument and participate in singing throughout the year. There will be several performances throughout the school year in which students are required to participate. Mariachi students will also have the responsibility of checking out a mariachi uniform and returning it clean at the end of the school year. Daily Rehearsal Procedures The following guidelines to a successful rehearsal should be followed at all times: 1. Enter the orchestra room calmly, quietly, and courteously. 2. All books and binders not needed for rehearsal should be left underneath the student s assigned seat. 3. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in their proper chair and ready to rehearse when it is the designated time to start the class period. 4. Students need to check the daily agenda written on the board each day so they can get their materials in order. 5. Students will not play instruments without permission, nor will they play on other students instruments. 6. The following materials are necessary every day: instrument, music binder, and a pencil. 7. Absolutely no gum, food, or drinks will be allowed in the orchestra room. 8. If your instrument is in the repair shop, please bring a note from home. Be sure to bring your music binder and a pencil because there may be a school instrument you may borrow. 9. Respect your rehearsal space-leave the orchestra room neater than you found it. 10. Use common sense, maintain a positive attitude always, and be proud of Wood Orchestra!! 2

Orchestra Discipline Plan RULES *Be Prompt *Be Prepared *Be Productive *Be Polite *Be Positive WOOD DISCIPLINE PLAN The Wood Orchestra will follow the 2016-2017 Wood M.S. Positive Discipline Plan. Step 1: Teachers will redirect disruptive student behavior Step 2: Teachers will conference with student and designate a consequence Step 3: Teacher will make parent contact and issue an after school detention. Step 4: Teacher will hold a parent conference with student present. Step 5: Teacher will refer to counselor or administration as appropriate. Step 6+: Refer to administrator. Consequences will vary in accordance to district guidelines, but documentation will be created for a possible referral to AMS for persistent misbehavior unless the student decides to cooperate with the NEISD Student Code of Conduct. MAJOR DISCIPLINE INFRACTIONS Major infractions result in an immediate referral to an administrator. TARDY POLICY 1 Tardies- Student records their name, date, and time on the Tardy Sign In 2 Tardies- Teacher emails or calls home 4 Tardies- 2 days of lunch detention and administrator contacts parent 6 Tardies- 5 days lunch detention or 3 days detention (before/after school)& admin parent contact 8 Tardies- 5 days lunch detention or 5 days detention (before/after school)& admin parent contact 10 Tardies- 1 day ISS Any student in the hall without a pass after the bell rings is tardy and will be documented by the student and verified by the teacher. The tardy count will start over each nine-week grading period. No students will be allowed to go out of the classroom during the first and last 10 minutes of each class period. Wood Middle School Cell Phone Electronic Policy Policy: Cell phones and other electronic devices are not necessary items at Wood Middle School. If you bring any of these items to school, it is at your own risk, and are subject to the following policy. Cell phones and electronic devices are to remain in the off position at all times during the school hours. **Ms. Luna will abide by the school policy on a daily basis. There will be very few times in which cell phones or other electronic devices will be allowed during an orchestra/mariachi class* 3

Grading Policy Daily Participation (30% of grade) Each student will receive 100 points on Monday of each week. It is the student s responsibility to keep their 100 points through Friday of each week. Points are deducted as follows: Instrument: 20 points Music binder/book: 10 points Pencil: 10 points Class Work (15% of grade) This includes any written assignments and/or worksheets. This also includes any morning or afternoon rehearsals and sectionals. Practice Records (15% of grade) Practice Records will be collected every 3 weeks with a parent signature.there will be a new practice record every 3 weeks on different color paper. At the end of the 9 weeks, each student should have 3 different color practice records. **Late work is defined as any assignment that is not submitted on the due date and class period with the exception of make-up work for absences or approved school activities. **A 20% deduction from the total grade earned will be taken for late assignments. **Late assignments will be accepted until the last day of the 9 weeks. Practice records must be signed by parent/guardian to receive grade. Please make sure to turn in all practice records even if practicing has not occurred. I will still give credit to students who do not practice and turn in the SIGNED practice record. I ask that students practice a minimum of 15 minutes a day to obtain the following grades: Weekly Total Minutes Grade 100+ 120 90-99...110 80-89...100 70-79...90 60-69...80 59 and below..70 Signed PR..40 Performances, Playing, and Written Tests (40% of grade) Attendance at co-curricular performances is mandatory. If a student is on time with their instrument, all other required materials, and in the correct uniform, a 100 test grade will be given as a grade for the performance. A medical emergency or an extreme crisis will be excused with a note from a parent. Playing and written tests will be given throughout the school year. 4

Orchestra Room Guidelines The Wood Orchestra room will be open at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday for instrument and orchestra binder drop-off. Students will be allowed to practice their instruments in the morning before school on certain days of the week. (Sometimes the room will be closed for practicing due to scheduled morning rehearsals.) Students may only practice on their own individual instrument. No student is ever allowed to play another student s instrument or a school instrument that is not specifically checked out to them. Only Wood orchestra and mariachi students are allowed in the orchestra room (before school, in between classes, and after school.) After school, orchestra students need to come and get their instruments and orchestra binders in a timely manner. The room will be locked by 4:00 p.m. Private Lessons The success of every outstanding orchestra program depends on the quality of the players as well as the determination of the orchestra students to give that extra effort. As a director, I will always work to give as much individual attention to each student as is possible and necessary. However, to totally enhance the student s ability on a weekly basis, private lessons are strongly recommended. A list of private teachers is available upon request. Instrument Insurance It is strongly recommended that you insure your personal instrument and/or school instrument. The district does not carry insurance on school owned instruments. Students that check out a school instrument will be given the insurance information along with a NEISD instrument rental agreement card to be signed and returned. Information will be provided to you (for personal and school instruments) concerning an insurance option that is made available by Music Agency, Inc. Forms are available in the Orchestra Room. Their phone number is 1-800-421-1283 and their website is www.musicagencyinc.com. Fundraiser The Wood Orchestra will have a several opportunities to help raise funds for the Orchestra and Mariachi program. This money will help support all the students in both the orchestra and mariachi programs. The funds will help keep the cost down for trips planned in the spring semester, solo/ensemble contests, and the purchase of new music for all the students. It is important that all students and parents support our fundraiser as all the proceeds are used for the students. I will send home information about our fundraiser as we approach the month of September. Thank you in advance for your support! 5

Varsity Orchestra Uniform-7 th and 8 th grade All students in the Varsity Orchestra will need to pay a $15.00 uniform maintenance fee. This is a yearly fee that will help maintain the upkeep, quality, and supply of the orchestra uniforms. This payment will be due by Friday, September 9 th. There will be two days in September for students to try on and take home their assigned orchestra uniform. A garment bag will be provided for each uniform. It will be the responsibility of student to return the orchestra uniform in the garment bag, dry-cleaned and labeled with their name at the end of the school year. GIRLS UNIFORM The girls will be wearing a full-length black dress. The dresses will need to be hemmed to the appropriate length for each girl. When deciding on the length, please have your daughter stand in the dress with the appropriate shoes. Please do not cut the dress, simply fold and sew the dress. These dresses are used again every school year. The girls will need to wear black closed toe shoes for the dress. No open toes shoes please. BOYS UNIFORM The boys will be wearing black tuxedo pants, white tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo vest, and black bow tie. Boys will need to wear black socks and black dress shoes. Absolutely no tennis shoes or white socks!!! Boys will need to wear a white undershirt underneath the tuxedo shirt. This will help maintain the quality of the shirts. **The replacement costs of the uniforms are: Girls Dress $85.00 Boys Pants $28.00 Shirt $14.00 Vest $18.00 Bow Tie $ 4.00 Total $64.00 MARIACHI UNIFORM Girls mariachi uniform consists of a skirt, vest, sash, bow tie, and hair bow-$300.00 Boys mariachi uniform consists of a pair of pants, vest, belt, bow tie-$300.00 **Mariachi Uniform is a separate $15 fee** Please send your payment of $15.00 per uniform by Friday, September 9 th. (Make checks payable to Wood M.S. Orchestra) Non-Varsity Orchestras (6 th -8 th graders) All 6 th grade orchestra students and 7 th /8 th grade non-varsity orchestra students will have the same uniform. The orchestra will wear a navy blue polo-style shirt with a Wood M.S. logo. This shirt will be worn with khaki pants (uniform style) and brown or black shoes (or nice and clean tennis shoes). The shirt costs $15.00 and if paying by check, please make the check payable to Wood M.S. Orchestra. Please submit payment for the shirt by Friday, September 4 th. 6

Performance Policy and Eligibility The orchestra performance year will include a fall concert, a holiday concert, Evening with Strings, and a spring concert. These concerts are considered by NEISD as co-curricular and a necessary culmination of the classroom activities and the TEKS for orchestra. All students are required to attend these events regardless of academic standing. Students must remain eligible in all classes in order to participate in any extracurricular activities. (Students are eligible if all grades are 70 or above on report cards.) Extracurricular activities include: Region Orchestra, NEISD Solo and Ensemble Contest, U.I.L. Tape Clinic, U.I.L. Contest, and the 7 th and 8 th grade Houston trip. Extracurricular Performance Opportunities REGION ORCHESTRA The Texas Music Educators Association sponsors an activity to honor outstanding middle school orchestra students from all of Region 12, which includes NEISD, Comal ISD and Alamo Heights ISD. Members of the Region Orchestra are selected based on an audition of prepared music. There is a $10.00 entry fee required to participate in the audition. This is an excellent performance opportunity. 6 th grade auditions are November 5 th at Tex Hill M.S. and 7 th /8 th grade auditions are November 12 th at Lopez M.S. NEISD SOLO AND ENSEMBLE CONTEST The NEISD sponsors a middle school Solo and Ensemble contest each year. Students at this contest perform solos and/or ensembles for a judge and have the opportunity to earn medals for their performances. There is a $5.00 fee for ensembles and a $10.00 entry fee for solos. Solo and Ensemble is scheduled for May 6 th at Driscoll M.S. U.I.L. ORCHESTRA CONCERT AND SIGHTREADING CONTEST All schools in Region 12 are eligible to participate in this contest. Extra rehearsals and sectionals are necessary to prepare for this contest. The Philharmonic and Honors Orchestra will participate in U.I.L. This event is scheduled for March 22-24, 2017. Orchestra Calendar Policy The following page is the Wood Orchestra Calendar for the 2016-2017 school year. There are both required and optional performance opportunities. The required events are in bold print and will be for a grade. The events with a star (*) are extracurricular and students must be eligible to participate in these activities. Excused absences from required performances will be granted only in cases of genuine emergencies or illnesses. Please call the school or send a note with a parent signature in order to receive the excused absence. Detailed information concerning rehearsals and concerts will be given out as an event approaches. Please mark these dates on your personal calendars and let us know as soon as possible of any conflicts or concerns. Orchestra dates are subject to change and advance notice will be given of any changes. 7

2016-2017 Wood Orchestra Calendar The following dates are subject to change and advance notice will be given prior to any changes. Dates in bold print are mandatory events for a grade. *Dates with a star indicate extracurricular activities where eligibility requirements must be met.* SEPTEMBER 2 ALL handbook forms, order forms, and payments due to Wood Orchestra OCTOBER 19 Orchestra Fall Concert (All Orchestra Students) 5:30 p.m. -6 th grade Orchestra 6:00 p.m. Mariachi 6:30 p.m. Philharmonic and Concert 7:00 p.m. -Honors Orchestra 28 Orchestra Picture Day-Class and Individual Orchestra Photos during class NOVEMBER *5 6 th Grade Region Orchestra Auditions at Hill M.S.-1:00 p.m. *12 7th Grade (8 a.m.) and 8 th Grade (1 p.m.) Region Orchestra auditions at Lopez MS DECEMBER *9 Region Orchestra Clinic Rehearsal at Tejeda MS 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. *10 Region Orchestra Clinic Rehearsal at Tejeda MS 9-12 p.m. (6 th gr) & 9-3 p.m. (7 th /8 th gr) *10 Region Orchestra Concert at Reagan H.S., 4:00 p.m. 15 Orchestra Holiday Concert at Wood 5:30 p.m. -6 th grade Orchestra 6:00 p.m. Mariachi 6:30 p.m. Philharmonic and Concert 7:00 p.m. Honors Orchestra *Honors Holiday Tour (TBA) FEBRUARY *24 Tape Clinic 5:00-8:00 p.m. *25 Tape Clinic part 2 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MARCH *9 Pre-U.I.L. Concert at Wood-6:00 p.m. (Honors & Philharmonic) *22-23 Orchestra U.I.L. Contest at San Marcos HS-During school APRIL 18 NEISD Evening with Strings-Blossom Athletic Center Gym-7:00 p.m. 19 Mariachi Concert at Wood MS (TBD) MAY *6 Solo & Ensemble Contest at Driscoll MS 23 Orchestra Spring Concert at Wood 5:30 p.m.-6 th Grade Orchestra 6:30 p.m.-concert and Philharmonic Orchestras 7:15 p.m.-mariachi Students 7:45 p.m.-honors Orchestra 8

Wood Orchestra and Mariachi Participation Contract All parents and students are required to sign and return the following pages *This form needs to be signed and returned by Friday, September 9th* As stated in the NEISD Middle School Student-Parent Handbook: Any student who elects to accept the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities must recognize that he/she is a representative of the school and district and will be held to a higher standard of conduct than that applied to other students. This applies to both school-related and non-school related activities on or off of the school campus. I have read the Wood Orchestra Handbook and agree to abide by all of the policies stated. I realize that it takes cooperation from all of the students to make our orchestra a success and I agree to do my part to help achieve this goal. I agree to be at all of the co-curricular orchestra functions, on time and in the correct uniform. Student s Signature Date I have read and discussed the Wood Orchestra Handbook with my child. I understand fully that my child is required to attend all co-curricular functions on time, in the correct uniform, and to be picked up on time. I also understand that weekly practice records are to be signed by a parent. Practice Records are due every 3 weeks. Parent s Signature Date Parent E-mail address: **PLEASE ALSO RETURN** (by Friday, September 9, 2016) Required Items 1. 6 th grade Essential Elements 2000, Book 1 ($9.75)) 2. 6-8th grade (non-varsity) Orchestra uniform shirt order/payment ($15.00) 3. Honors Orchestra Uniform Maintenance Fee payment ($15.00) 4. Honors Orchestra Orchestra Spirit Shirt (Mandatory) ($10.00) 5. Mariachi Students Uniform Maintenance Fee payment ($15.00) 6. All grades School Instrument Maintenance Fee ($30.00) and School Instrument Agreement Form *If using a school instrument* Optional Items 1. All grades Orchestra spirit shirt order/payment ($10.00) 2. All grades Mariachi spirit shirt order/payment ($10.00) **Please attach or staple payments to each individual order form. Please make separate payments. Do not combine into one check as these payments are deposited into different accounts. THANK YOU!!!** 9 Orchestra Parent Volunteer Form

NEISD requires a current DPS background check on all school volunteers, mentors, chaperones, etc. This does include anyone who would be on or off the Wood M.S. campus assisting with the orchestra program. Please go to https://portal.neisd.net/vchrc/ to apply. If you have a volunteer number at a NEISD elementary or high school, please have this number transferred to Wood M.S. You may also have to reactivate your volunteer number with NEISD. Please contact Brooke Pate if you have any questions (lpate@neisd.net) or 210-407-0309. I would be able to help the orchestra program in the following ways: Chaperone School day functions School Trips Transport cello and bass instruments to off-campus contests 7 th /8 th grade Uniform help (date to be announced) Mariachi Uniform help Fundraiser Help Hospitality-planning and overseeing receptions, parties, etc. Other Student Name Parent Name Home Phone Work Phone (or cell phone) E-Mail address 10

Wood M. S. Music Dept. Uniform Polo Order Form Band, Choir, Orchestra Student Name: Class Period: Circle one: Band Choir Orchestra Size (Circle One): Youth Large Adult Small Adult Medium Adult Large Extra Large 2XLarge _ Additional Shirts (Indicate quantity) Youth Large Adult Small Adult Medium Adult Large Extra Large 2XLarge Total number of Shirts X $15.00 per shirt Shirt Total: $ All Band, Choir, and Orchestra will be required to wear this polo for all performances throughout the school year. This shirt only needs to be purchased through one of the ensembles. No need to buy more than one shirt (unless an extra is wanted). Make checks payable to WOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL. 12

Wood Orchestra Spirit T-Shirt There will be a 2016-2017 Wood Orchestra spirit t-shirt for students and parents to order. The shirt will be $10.00 each. This shirt is completely optional for all students. If you would like to order a shirt, please return the following order form and payment by Friday, September 9th. (Please detach and return the lower portion) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ORCHESTRA SPIRIT SHIRT ORDER FORM STUDENT S NAME ORCHESTRA CLASS PERIOD CIRCLE SIZE: YOUTH LARGE ADULT SMALL ADULT MEDIUM ADULT LARGE ADULT X-LARGE EXTRA SHIRTS (indicate quantity next to size) YOUTH LARGE ADULT MEDIUM ADULT X-LARGE ADULT SMALL ADULT LARGE TOTAL NUMBER OF SHIRTS X $10.00 PER SHIRT= $ Please attach payment to this form and return by Friday, September 9th. If paying by check, please make checks payable to Wood M.S. Orchestra. 13