Irving Middle

School
Beginner, Intermediate
and Advanced Mariachi
Handbook
2015-2016

Welcome to the Irving Middle School Mariachi. It is my

goal to make sure that every student get the most out of his/her
time in the Mariachi program. It will take our combined hard work
and dedication to make take this program to the next level, but
yes, it can be done.
As the program continues to grow, more is expected of my
students. I expect daily participation in class, Mariachi is a music
performance class and if you choose to be in the class you will be
expected not only to learn to play a Mariachi instrument but sing
as well. We will work together as a class and individually to make
sure that we all grow musically together. We need to continue
being successful, but everyone needs to make the effort every
day. I expect all Mariachi students to behave with respect at all
times, I will not tolerate disrespect at any time in my class. I will
always show you respect, I expect the same in return from
everybody. All scheduled practices are mandatory. It takes a
combined effort to have a successful group, missing practices
shows disrespect to all members of the group. The success of any
strong organization is dependent upon the high expectations,
commitment, honesty, respect, integrity, teamwork and passion
of its individual members.

Members of the organization are expected to uphold the

following:
o Make a commitment to the team for the entire 2015 2016
year;
o Make a commitment to demonstrate a positive attitude
toward school and learning;
o Make a commitment to maintain a positive attitude toward
the team and its members;
o Make a commitment to model proper behavior in all
situations;
o Make a commitment to accept responsibility for choices
made;

o Make a commitment to daily be on time and prepared to

learn;
o Make a commitment to daily be on time to all scheduled
master classes, sectionals and performances;
o Make a commitment to maintain a 99%-100% attendance
rate;
o Make a commitment to complete all assigned homework that
exceeds teachers expectations;
o Make a commitment to maintain a minimum average of 80%
on all homework assignments, quizzes, tests, evaluations;
o Make a commitment to prepare/pass Benchmark Exams, 9
weeks evaluations and most importantly the end of year
STAAR exam.

We would like to ensure you that your son/daughter is about to

begin one of the most exciting times of their middle school years.
It is our goal that through music we can teach your son/daughter
valuable life skills that will prove useful as they prepare to enter
and graduate from high school. By partnering together in the
education of your son or daughter, we can ensure that they are
prepared to successfully pursue post-secondary education at a
four-year university; prepared to enlist in the United States
Military and/or are equipped to enter the workforce.
Mariachi Course Offerings:
All members of the Mariachi program will be enrolled in either
beginner, intermediate or advanced Mariachi. Students are placed
in the class through my recommendation and are evaluated
throughout the year.
Beginner Mariachi:
Students will learn basic music fundamentals of instrumental and
vocal music. Students in beginning Mariachi should strive to be in

the intermediate or advanced Mariachi. Students throughout the

year will learn to read and write music as well as be able to
identify musical symbols and properly read rhythms. Only those
that pass quizzes, theory tests and chair test will be allowed to
perform on stage.

Intermediate Mariachi:
This year intermediate Mariachi will serve as a way for me to start
a second Mariachi group. Intermediate Mariachi students will be
selected to perform at the yearly Mariachi assessment at
Brackenridge High School as well as other performances.
Intermediate students should show consistent progress and
should strive to be in the advanced Mariachi. Only those that
pass quizzes, theory tests and chair tests will be allowed to
perform on stage.
Advanced Mariachi:
The Students in this class will be held to the highest standard.
Students will performs at concerts and contests throughout the
year UIL Solo and Ensemble and our yearly Mariachi Assessment. I
will ONLY choose 15 members to be part of the competition
group! All music is to be memorized, no exceptions. Placement in
the advanced class does not ensure that a student will be able to
perform, performing in the competition group is a privilege that is
earned through auditions, hard work and dedication. All students
will be expected to sing and play an instrument. The only
students allowed in the advance group MUST be able to read
music, sing, play with good technique, and know at least 6 scales.
It is up to the director to place a student in the advance class.
Grading Guidelines:

The purpose of grades is to inform the students and parents

concerning their son/daughters academic progress and
achievement. The following components will constitute the
students grades for all levels of participation in the mariachi
program. Grades will include your son/daughter bringing
their instrument, music binder, and a pencil to class daily.
A note will be sent home for parent to sign when student does not
bring necessary materials to class or engages in disruptive
behavior. Students are expected to actively participate in
the learning process.
Assessment Performance (40% of the students nine week
grade):
Examples of Assessment Performance grades are as follows:
Written and performance exams (In Class & Public Performances),
weekly technology assessments, teacher made tests/quizzes,
interim assessments (Mid-Terms & Nine Week Final Examinations.)
All scheduled performances are required. Failure to attend
may result in the lowering of the students grade if the absence is
not justified. All absences must be accompanied by a letter of
explanation signed by the parent (include a contact telephone
number for verification), and will be dealt with on a case by case
basis.
Class Work/Homework (60% of the students nine week
grade):
Examples of Class Work and Homework grades are as follows:
daily/weekly participation, folder checks, supply inspection,
scheduled sectionals, clinics and additional rehearsals are major
factor in determining your childs grade for the course.
Daily Practice (30 minutes is the minimum of all students
in the program):

Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child takes their
instrument home daily to practice. Students in our program are
expected to practice every day a minimum of 30-45 minutes
every evening.
Rehearsals & Performances:
Attendance and punctuality to all performances and rehearsals is
expected. Concerts are extensions of the classroom and are the
highlight of the learning process for this course. In order to
participate in performances, students must attend all prescheduled rehearsals prior to the performance. Please check your
band calendar for dates. An unexcused absence from a
performance will result in a 0 for the performance grade,
demoted in chair placement, and the students may be removed to
another class if this becomes habitual. I understand that
unfortunate events may arise unexpectedly. If your son/daughter
gets ill please provide a note with a working telephone/cell
number (Doctors excuse is acceptable).
Parents: Your attendance at every concert is important. We
understand that there may be times when work schedules conflict
and if this is the case please find a family member or friend who
will stand in the gap for you. It is important for your child to see
that what they do is important to you personally.
Rehearsal:
A rehearsal schedule will be sent home to students and a copy
will always be outside my door.
I want my students involved in programs such as band, choir,
orchestra and athletics because these students typically wind up
being the best students on our campus. Students involved in
athletics must make the necessary arrangements to be on time to
any scheduled lesson. Athletic games and mariachi performances
take priority over any practice or rehearsal. It is important to
schedule your whole day in order to be successful in both
organizations. Please make certain that you request a copy of a
calendar of events for both organizations.

Individual Competitions:
The program will not improve unless your child practices
individually. The ultimate goal of the program is the development
of the individual musician to perform to their ultimate potential. I
strongly recommend individual competitions to highlight your
childs individual work. What your child has been doing in the
privacy of your home and in the band hall will be revealed in
individual competition such as solo and ensemble contest.
Student Eligibility:
According to the Texas Education Agency/University
Interscholastic League your child must maintain a minimum grade
of 70% in all of their classes in order to participate in any extracurricular activity in the state of Texas. Students who fail any
single class at the end of the 9 weeks grading period will become
ineligible seven days later. Ineligible students do not regain
eligibility immediately. They must wait seven calendar days after
the end of the next grading period. Students may regain
eligibility seven calendar days after the end of the three week
grade evaluation period provided the principal and teachers have
determined that the students is passing all classes. Semester
grades are never used to determine eligibility.
Student Eligibility Note to Parents:
I cannot stress the importance of your support of your childs
academic progress. Please feel free to contact your childs
teacher/counselor and hold your child accountable. Students
have homework every day. Parents are ultimately responsible for
monitoring the progress of their child.

Informal Uniform Must Be Purchased By

beginnig of November
Parents must purchase the following items for their
son/daughter

 Mariachi Shirts The approximate cost of the shirts is

around $20.00
Black Belt
Black Pants (boys) Black skirts ( appropriate length right
at the knee for my ladies) (not shorts)
Black shoes
White buttoned up long sleeve shirt
Mariachi Trajes:
Will only be issued to members in the advance and competition
group. PLEASE NEVER wash the trajes, I have them professionally
cleaned.
Prior to all performances mariachi members will be inspected to
make certain that all parts of their uniform are in order. Students
who do not pass inspection will not be allowed to perform, will be
excused to go home, and will receive a failing grade for that
performance.
San Antonio ISD Instrument Policy:
All students in our band program will be assigned an instrument
for the 2015-2016 school years. An instrument check-out form
will be sent home during the first weeks of school that will require
the parent or guardians signature. It is the responsibility of the
student/parent to check over the instrument at that time and note
any damages that you may see on the instrument check-out form
so that we agree on the exact condition of the instrument. The
school district will repair normal wear-and-tear that may occur
with the instrument. *Any repairs or maintenance due to
negligence will be at the expense of the parent.
If in the professional opinion of any director on staff a schoolowned instrument is not being properly cared for at any time
during the school yearthe director will contact the parent and
make a decision as to the course of action that will be taken to

remedy the situation. An immediate parent conference will be

held with all parties involved.
*School instruments that are lost or stolen must be replaced at
the expense of the parent/guardian.
Equipment:
San Antonio ISD provides district owned instruments for all
students. All students will be provided instrument storage.
Students are responsible for making certain that their instrument
is secure at all times. Instruments are not to be left at any time
in any of their other academic classes overnight or in the
morning. Instruments left anywhere on campus will result in an
immediate parent conference. We must all do our part to ensure
safety for every instrument. Instruments range from $500$8,000.00 each. Please assist us in protecting our investment.
*Parents do not need to purchase an instrument for their child. If
you would like to purchase an instrument for your son/daughter
please consult with one of the directors for specifications.
Instrument Usage Fee of $30.00 per School Year:
Fee will cover expenses associated with the purchasing music,
instruments, trajes, and other musical accessories needed
throughout the year.
Payment Number 1 Due Date: Wednesday 14th , 2015
($15.00)
Payment Number 2 Due Date: Friday, January 18th ,
2016 ($15.00)
Acceptable Forms of Payment: Cash or Money Order
(Checks Not Accepted as per San Antonio ISD District Policy)

*Refunds will not be provided once an installment is paid. When a

student pays their instrument usage fee it is immediately spent to
provide the student supplies and music.
While A Students Instrument Is in Repair:
At times instruments must be sent to the school district repair lab.
If this is the case a students are not permitted to use another
instrument unless instructed by one of the directors. If the San
Antonio ISD Instrument Repair Lab concludes that the instrument
has been intentionally neglected or damaged, a parent
conference will be held immediately. Any intentional damages
that occur will be at the expense of the parent.
Fundraising:
The Mariachi program will participate in fund raising. It takes a
tremendous amount of funds to maintain our program.
Fundraising is necessary because it assist us in defraying the cost
of chartered transportation to events, festivals, formal uniforms;
supplies, clinicians, consultant services as well as master class
instructors.
When fundraising money is due we ask that all parents make an
honest effort to turn in the largest bills possible. When money is
collected your son/daughter will be provided a receipt as proof of
payment.
Conduct Detrimental to the Organization:
Your child must understand that they will be held accountable for
the behavioral choices that they make in and out of our
classroom. When a student is a member of our band program
they are held to a higher standard. Mariachi students are
expected to be role models for the school to emulate.
Students that fail to complete their homework successfully for
their academic teachers may be suspended from performances
with the organization. Students that receive an Unsatisfactory
mark on their 9 week report card may be suspended from public
performances with the organization for a period of nine weeks.
Students that receive a Needs Improvement may be suspended

from public performances for a period of three weeks. At the

three week mark if the students behavior improves, the student
may regain his/her performance privileges only if they received
an N and not a U.
Students that are assigned to On Campus Intervention or
Suspended from school may result in loss of performance
privileges for the remainder of the 9 weeks, semester, school
year, or may be permanently dismissed from the band program.
Mariachi Leaderhip:
The 2015-2016 Mariachi Leadership consists of the studentleaders of the organization. As with any successful organization I
am committed to listening to the concerns of my students in
order to make their experience in mariachi an exciting one.
Students will be nominated by the students and myself, and any
student will have the right to run for an office. Mariachi
Leadership is as follows:
President Organize council meetings once every three
weeks. Communicate with director for approval and ensure
every member of the committee is fulfilling their duty.
Delegate responsibility to other members of the committee.
Vice President Assist president in fulfilling responsibilities
listed above.
Secretary Take notes, keep track of meeting time.
Treasurer Assist director in organizing fundraisers. Bring
new ideas for fundraisers. Inform president and directors of
the supplies needed for decorations or other events.
Historian Take pictures and video from all events all year
long and prepare slide show for final concert. Put together a
program for concerts for band and mariachi.
Head Librarian Manage music library. Create electronic
music library. Organize and file music.
Assistant Librarian Assist head librarian in fulfilling duties
and provide music to other students that may have missed
classed.
Calendar of Events:

I am responsible for developing an annual calendar of activities

that includes major events and activities. The calendar will be
made available to the students and parents no later than Friday,
October 23, 2015. It is important to note that the calendar is
subject to changes as deemed necessary.
Closing Remarks:
It is an honor and privilege to serve you and your son/daughter. I
a committed to providing your son/daughter with the best quality
instruction. My goal is to assist your son/daughter to reach their
goals and to become a successful well -rounded musician and
productive member of society.
Thank you once again for entrusting me with your child. If I can
be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact our
office and speak with me.
I am here to serve
Ms. Rodriguez
Mrodriguez48@saisd.net
(210) 738-9740 ex.74919

2015-2016
Mariachi Handbook Agreement Form
I have read and reviewed the 2015-2016 Irving Middle School
Mariachi Handbook. I would like to ensure all of our mariachi
families that my intention is to simply inform you of the
expectations and traditions of one of the top middle school
mariachi programs in the state of Texas
Please understand that every student in mariachi will earn his or
her own grade. Every student will be required determine their
involvement in the mariachi program and I will do everything
possible to make sure that every student reached their full
potential.
Student Signature________________________________ Date:
______________

Parent Signature ________________________________ Date:

______________