Gutierrez Middle School

Jaguar Orchestra Handbook

2017-2018

Mr. Victor Flores Mrs. Natalie Haugeberg

Head Orchestra Director Assistant Orchestra Director
victor.flores@hcisd.org natalie.haugeberg@hcisd.org

(956)430-4400 (ext.4763)

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2017-2018 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra Hand Book
Dear Jaguars & Jaguar Parents,
Welcome to the Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra program! The GMS orchestra would like to welcome
you back for an exciting year. We are so glad that you and your child will be with us to continue their
musical journey. We are very excited to witness the development of their musical skills and watch the
students enjoy a wonderful orchestral string experience. We have a lot of exciting programs and events
coming up this year.
Please keep this handbook to refer to any upcoming events or rules. Please sign, fill out and return the
Handbook Acknowledgement Form and the Media Release Form that are found at the end of the
handbook.
Sincerely,
Mr. Victor Flores
Head Orchestra Director at Gutierrez Middle School
&
Mrs. Natalie Haugeberg
Assistant Orchestra Director at Gutierrez Middle School

1. Course Description

There are three competition level orchestras; Sub-Non, Junior Varsity and Varsity. There are also
three beginner classes.

2. Qualifications
Students must be recommended to enroll in varsity orchestra by the Orchestra Director
based on auditions, prior achievements, and a record of good discipline.
Eligibility is a crucial factor for participation in all UIL and TMEA events! Students should
remain eligible in order to stay in good standing in the organization.
Attendance at all rehearsals, performances, and sections is required. A student will only
be excused for serious medical or family emergencies. Please check the schedule and
plan with these dates in mind. Excess absences may result in dismissal at the discretion
of the director.
Discipline problems will not be tolerated

3. Concert Master/Section Leader Selection/Seating Policy

Seating auditions will be held as needed. The purpose of seating auditions is to find a fair and
consistent manner in which to seat students in each sections. Once seating auditions have been
completed, the director will review the scores and determine which student is the best choice for
the Concert Master and Section Leader. Chair tests for these positions will take place throughout
the year at a need basis. Director does hold the right to remove said leader and/or move students
based on behavior and grades.
The Section Leaders are expected to:
Lead their sections in large group rehearsal by example
Have the ability to lead their section through sectionals throughout the year
Mark any musical changes that the director gives them, and instruct their section to do
the same

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 Make sure that the section maintains orchestra binder proper order
4. Rehearsal Procedures
Students are expected to be in the orchestra room before the bell rings and be in their seats ready
to work with instrument, music and required materials 1 minute after the tardy bell has rung.
When the director steps on to the podium students should sit up on the front of the chair in rest
position and wait for the instruction.

5. Class Participation
This will be based on if the student is actively participation and following the class procedures,
instructions, and expectations as listed above.
Individual Progress and Participation - Is the student making visible progress in the class
and weekly participation.
Weekly Practice Log - The Weekly Practice Log will be posted on the online program
CHARMS. It is available as an app download or can be done via the website. Paper logs
will be available to those who do not have access to internet. If paper log is used, student
is responsible to turn in first thing on Monday for a grade.
Performance Grade Concert are considered as co-curricular and cumulative of the
classroom activities. Therefore, students are required to attend concerts. PLEAS NOTE;
you must mark your calendar and notify coaches of your concert dates when you join a
team outside of school.
Recorded/Playing tests To check the progress of students, they will occasionally be
asked to play a passages for a recorder. A copy of the music will be returned to the
students giving tips for improvements as well as positive feedback on things played.
Students will also be expected to upload a recording onto CHARMS on a need basis.
Beginners test every Friday unless designated by instructor.

6. Grading Scale
Students will receive a numerical grade each six weeks. Grades will be determined by the
following criteria:
Quality of individual performance and Knowledge of music
Daily preparation (see supply list) and Daily participation
Conduct and Attitude
Attendance at rehearsals and concerts
Written examinations & Playing examinations (live and taped)
Students desiring a grade of 100 should do the following:
Demonstrate good posture and position at all times
Master the required music and Make an effort to improve deficient areas
Have all music properly marked
Have proper equipment and music for each class in order to demonstrate master of skills.
Pay attention during class and Demonstrate proper conduct
Be on times for all classes, rehearsals and concerts
Prepare for playing and written tests
Turn in all assignments and practice logs on time.
Bring instrument, music and all other supplies to class daily
Students are encouraged to check with the director at any time regarding the status of his/her
grade.

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 7. Music Binder
Students are expected to purchase a 1 binder for music and handouts. The music issued to
students should be kept in their orchestra binder and maintained in good condition. Music
should not be loose and/or folded and should never be marked on with pen except for the
students name. Students will be issued ONE COPY of music, and should immediately put their
name at the top. You are responsible for having your music at class and a portion of your daily
grade will go down for the day you do not have your music during class. Binders can and will be
checked at random as part of their grade.

8. Concert Attendance/ Etiquette/ Attire

All students are REQUIRED to attend ALL performances. Concerts are extensions of the
classroom and are the highlight of the learning process. Excusal from the concerts will only be
granted in the event of extreme illness, major family emergency, recognized religious holidays,
or other special circumstances with the directors permission. A note from the parent and/or
physician is required to be given an excused absence and will be given an oppurtunity to
complete a makeup assignemnt. Unexcused absences may not be made up. During the concert
or competition, students are expected to respect the facility in which we are preforming as well
as other performers and equipment during concert.
Concert Attire

Formal Concerts (Winter, Spring, and UIL); Girls will wear a black blouse, black dress
slacks or skirt (Below the knees), and black dress shoes. Cello players are required to
wear black slacks. Boys will wear a black dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress shoes
and black socks. Concert attire should always conform to school dress code.
Casual Concerts (Elementary Tour, End of the Year Trip): Blue Jeans (no shorts) and
Orchestra T-Shirt. The Orchestra T-Shirt is mandatory for the safety of the students.

9. Orchestra Room and Lockers

Students must close and lock the door to the locker when their instruments are stored
in the lockers
Only assigned instruments and music are to be stored in that locker.

10. Grooming Fingernails

Students must keep their fingernails trimmed short in order to play in the orchestra. Long nails
will damage strings, affect posture and intonation, and possibly cause injury. If a student decides
to get fake nails for a special occasion, they must be removed by the following day of the event.
Fingernail clippers will be provided to a student immediately if seen with long fingernails. A
parent note will be needed if fake nails must stay on after the event.
11. Private Lessons

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 Private lessons are an essential part of the success of any student. Private lessons are the most
effective way to learn advanced techniques, and they are highly recommended. You may obtain
a list of qualified instructors in the area by contacting the Orchestra Directors.
12. Fundraising
The orchestra will have fundraising opportunities throughout the year. Fundraising money goes
into the orchestras activity account to pay for trips and other orchestra activities. Students are
not expected to fundraise but if they choose to do so, profits they earn will be applied towards
their end of the year trip fees first. Students who do not raise enough to cover their portion of
the activities will need to pay their own way in order to participate.
13. All-Region Orchestra
The Region 28 All-Region Orchestra is an audition-only group made up of the best middle school
students from schools across the valley. Students are selected by a panel of judges in a blind
auditions (the judges are behind a screen and cannot see the students.) It is a great honor to
make this elite orchestra, and students who are accepted into the All-Region orchestra are
honored with a plaque with their name and instrument inscribed, and will serve as the orchestra
leaders throughout the year. Everyone is encouraged to audition! Students who are selected
must attend all rehearsals and the final performance. Auditions, rehearsal, and performance
dates are listed on the calendar.
14. After-School Sectionals and Rehearsals
We will have sectionals and afterschool rehearsals throughout the year. There will be monthly
calendars sent out each month. These are subject to change based on school and music
department events and conflicts.
15. Buying and Instrument
Please, Please, Please DO NOT buy an instrument without checking with us first. There are a lot
of substandard instruments being sold. We will have an instrument drive (please see calendar)
to aid in the purchase process.
16. Tapes
Students must play with tapes unless allowed by the director. The following criteria must be
met in order to play without them.
o Students demonstrate the ability to play in tune.
o If at any point the tuning affects the intonation of the group, tapes will be reapplied at
the directors discretion.

17. Remind
Remind is a text based program that the GMS orchestra uses to stay in communication with its
students and parents.
On Remind, you and your child can receive text message updates for events and so on. There
are separate sections for students and parents.
At the end of the handbook is a guide on how to sign up and use Remind. Please let us know if
you have any questions.

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 18. End of the Year Trip/Competition
The GMS Orchestra takes an out-of-town trip at the end of the year.
All Orchestra students are allowed to go while Varsity Orchestra Competes
Students who receive 5 tallies in the year will not be allowed to go.
o Tally system will be explained to students in detail.
More details will be given in the trip letter that will be given out around September.

19. Parent/Guardian Suggestions

Please be sure to pick up your students after orchestra events. Often there will be bus
transportation to concerts, but not returning. This will be indicated on the information given
to you in advance.
You are encouraged to inquire about your childs practice and to attend your childs
performances. Please refer to Calendar.
Arrange a regular time and place for practice. Your child ALWAYS has music to practice. At
least 30 minutes of daily undisturbed practice is needed for musical growth.
Make sure to ask for and sign lesson logs daily.
Give your child a safe place to keep his/her instrument. Avoid extremely hot or cold
temperatures (never leave it in an unattended vehicle!). Review the How to Care for Your
Instrument handout that will be given when your child gets his/her instrument.
Do not attempt to repair the instrument yourself. Seek help from director or a qualified
repair shop.
Take an active role in your childs music education. Many opportunities exist to assist. These
include chaperoning trips, monitoring students at concerts, fundraising and publicity.
Time is precious. Insist that your child be on time for lessons, rehearsals, and performances.
Whenever possible, it is always beneficial and highly encouraged to enroll your student in
private lessons.

20. Resources
Instrument rental and purchases, accessories, supplies:

Shar www.sharmusic.com
Southwest Stirngs www.swstrings.com
Antonio Strad Violin 687-9788 (McAllen)
Melhart Music Center 682-6147 (McAllen)
Other Resources:

Free online metronome www.metronomeonline.com

Free online tuner www.get-tuned.com/online_tuners.php
Free excerses www.musictheory.ent
www.violinstudent.com
Helpful Apps
Tenuto ($3.99)
Mobile Metronome (Free)
Chromatic Tuner

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2017-2018 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra Hand Book
 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra
Student Handbook Agreement Form
(Return to directors)

This Handbook is provided for the students and parents information. Its intent is to make your
orchestra experience beneficial and rewarding. There is a yearly calendar included for your future
planning convenience. Note that although we do our best to include every date and event, there
are some instances where mandatory events may arise that are not on the calendar. Please make
sure that you, the student, have read and reviewed our handbook with your parent or guardian.
Please feel free to call the orchestra room or email if you have any questions or concerns regarding
the orchestra handbook.
(956)430-4400 (ext.4763)
victor.flores@hcisd.org
natalie.haugeberg@hcisd.org

WE HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE GUTIERREZ MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

HANDBOOK AND AGREE TO FOLLOW ITS POLICIES AND GUIDELINES.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________

Student Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ____________

Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra

Media Release Form
(Return to directors)
Exhibit D
RELEASE FORM FOR THE ELECTRONIC AND MEDIA DISPLAY OF PERSONAL INFORMATION

Students Name: ____________________________ Grade: ________ ID# __________________

o I, ____________________________________ give my permission for personally identifiable

information about my child or photograph of my child to be displayed (electronic or otherwise)
and produced by the district, or the media (website, poster, video, yearbookect.)

o I DO NOT give permission to display personal, identifiable information of my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________

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2017-2018 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra Hand Book
 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra Events
2017-2018
August 24
HCISD Instruments Drive
- South HS 4:30pm 8:30pm
August 25
Handbook forms are due (for a grade)
September 18 & 19
All-City Orchestra Auditions
- Auditions will take place at Memorial Middle School
September 30 (Only for students who made All-City)
All-City Orchestra Clinic and Concert
- Rehearsal from 9am 3pm at HPAC
- Concert at 5 at HPAC
October 14
All-Region Orchestra Auditions
November 10 & 11 (Only for students who made All-Region)
All-Region Orchestra Clinic and Concert
November 30
Winter Concert at the Harlingen Performing Arts Center (PAC)
- Time: 6:00Pm
December 18
Winter Caroling
February 28 (7th and 8th Grade Students)
Pre-UIL at the Harlingen Performing Arts Center

March 26 & 27 (7th and 8th Grade Students)

UIL Concert and Sight Reading at the Harlingen Performing Arts Center
May 14
Spring Concert at the Harlingen Performing Arts Center (PAC)
- Call Time: 6pm at GMS
- Performance Time: 7Pm at HPAC
May 16
GMS Orchestra Award Ceremony at GMS Cafeteria at 6:00pm
May 18
End of the Year Trip/Competition SCHLITTERBAHN, South Padre Island
May 25
House Competition Winner Incentive Trip (TBA)
May 26
GMS Orchestra Bash GMS Cafeteria at 2pm 6pm

*Events/Dates are subject to change, and many might arise throughout the year.

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2017-2018 Gutierrez Middle School Orchestra Hand Book