1 Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy Mariachi Handbook 2020-21 Marta O. Ocampo, Maria Sandoval and Henry Martinez Mariachi Directors Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy 102 High School Drive Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 [email protected][email protected][email protected](972) 237-5603 ext 6375
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Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy
Mariachi Handbook 2020-21
Marta O. Ocampo, Maria Sandoval and Henry Martinez Mariachi Directors
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy 102 High School Drive
This group will perform at various school functions and competitions throughout the school
year. These ensembles are rotating ensembles. There will be one audition in latter
September/early October to establish membership in each group. This will be adjusted as
students come back to 100% in person.
Students in all groups must maintain the following:
- Passing Grades in all classes (70 or above)
- Satisfactory Conduct in ALL classes
- Rehearsal Attendance
*All members must maintain the above requirements. Failure to do so may
result in demotion from the group. Ask for help in your academics and all
classes.
THE MARIACHI ROOM:
The Mariachi Room is a place of music making and learning, it should be treated
with respect. Respect toward other students, instruments, supplies and hardware
should be exercised at all times. Food (this includes chewing gum) and beverages
are NOT allowed in the Mariachi Room at any time. Bottled water is the
exception. Only students enrolled in mariachi are allowed access to this room. No
one allowed in room at any time without adult supervision before, during or after
school. Remember: SWEEP THE SHED!
MARIACHI ENSEMBLE COUNCIL
The Council is comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Historian, Librarian,
and Uniform Manager. Council officers are chosen through election.
MARIACHI OFFICERS
The President attends guild meetings to provide student input if needed. The President
creates mariachi newsletters and oversees Council meetings. The President motivates
members before and after contests, practices, and any other mariachi event.
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The Vice-President assists with the President’s duties. In addition, the Vice-President is
responsible for making student announcements, planning and scheduling mariachi social
activities, and creating the bulletin board. The Vice-President oversees Council meetings
when the President is not present.
The Secretary takes attendance, assists in the collection of money, and takes notes at
Council meetings. The Secretary assists the Vice-President with the bulletin board and
distributes notes or papers to mariachi members during class time.
The Historian takes photographs and shoots video throughout the year for the slide
show. The Historian is also responsible for producing an end of year album. The album
serves as a history of the school year and can include pictures, newspaper clippings,
concert programs, and other memorabilia.
The Librarian is responsible for maintaining and organizing the music library, copying
and distributing music, making folders for the group, and updating the Music Library
Database.
The Uniform Manager is responsible for checking uniforms in and out for performances
and preparing them to be sent to the cleaners and for inventory.
The Middle School Manager is responsible for communicating to the high school
officers the needs of the middle school groups.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
GRADING POLICY
A student’s grade will be lowered for an unexcused absence from a performance; in
addition, that individual may be assigned as an alternate for future performances.
Nine weeks grades are determined by playing and written tests, participation, attendance,
and preparation for rehearsals and performances. If a student is absent on the day of a
test, the student may make up the test on his or her own time, during lunch or before or
after school. Performances cannot be made up. A typed essay will be assigned for the
student that is absent from a performance.
Grading Policy
Daily Grade: HS will be 40 % of your grade. MS will be 50% of your grade.
1. Participation in daily class routines, instruments, iPads, Supplies (pencils,
notebooks, music, strings, etc.) and the use of your creative juices!
2. Theory
3. Writing
4. Practice cards
5. Gigs
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Major works: HS will be 60 % of your grade. MS will be 50% of your grade.
1) Music: ability to play and memorize, 2) Attendance at sectionals/rehearsals, 3) Attendance at school and community performances. 4) One performance a month that you are the audience member and a written paper/online animation project on that performance. 5) Appearance: Groomed, Shaven, Nails trimmed, full traje or alternative uniform. 6) Google Classroom uploads 7) Competitions/Concerts/Fundraisers 8) Auditions for All Region and participation in Solo/Ensemble 9) Assignments on Canvas 10) Assignments on Flipgrid/Edpuzzle and Go Formative
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
In order to participate in all extracurricular activities, the student must be academically
eligible. To be eligible during the first nine weeks of school, freshmen must have been
promoted from the eighth grade. Sophomores must have earned five credits that count
toward state graduation. Juniors must have earned ten credits that count toward state
graduation. Seniors must have earned fifteen credits that count toward state graduation.
Waivers for a 60-69 may be used one time per semester for one class. Students with a 59
or below do not qualify for a waiver.
A student who receives, at the end of any grading period, after the first nine weeks of the
school year, a grade below seventy (70) in any academic class (other than an identified
advanced class) or a student with disabilities who fails to meet the standards in the
Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in extracurricular activities for at
least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice and rehearse. The student
regains eligibility when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has earned a
passing grade (seventy (70) or above) in all academic classes, other than those that are
advanced, and completed the three school weeks of ineligibility. Eligibility is lost or
regained at the end of the regular school day.
Ineligible Students cannot travel with the group or perform at extra-curricular
performances (events where money is collected). Ineligible students are expected to
attend extra practices and perform at co-curricular concerts. (Curricular concerts include
any event that there is no money collected).
ATTENDANCE To Be Early Is To Be On Time & To Be On Time Is To Be Late!
The directors have devised the following attendance policies with input from student
leaders of the group. Mariachi members are expected to be at all rehearsals and
performances and to be on time. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is
mandatory. Communication is the key to our success if something comes up.
Performance dates are set up almost a year in advance to allow ample time to resolve
conflicts. Once school begins, there will be sectionals on Tuesday and Thursday between
3:05-4:05 for HS. Middle School will practice between 8:15-8:45 am. on
Tuesday, and Thursday for sectionals. (virtual sectionals)
Please DO NOT SCHEDULE ANYTHING DURING THESE TIMES!
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Students and/or parents should notify the directors prior to the scheduled time if there is a
conflict. When the directors deem absences excessive, the student may be demoted from
their Mariachi group. If students are excessive on responsibilities, they can be released
from the Mariachi Strand at the end of the year. Excused absences are possible.
Examples are personal illness, death in immediate family or extreme family emergency.
Examples of unexcused absences include: no transportation, studying for a test, and
work. Students are responsible for informing their employers of the mariachi schedule.
If a student wishes to be absent from rehearsal, contest, or other event, he or she must
submit a written request from parents or guardians. Absences can only be excused by
the directors and are considered on an individual basis.
If a rehearsal or performance is missed due to illness or emergency, the student should
report to the director immediately. The student must provide a note from a doctor
describing the reason for the absence. The director will determine whether or not the
absence for an illness or emergency is legitimate and excused, based on the information
provided on the written note. A make-up assignment must be completed to replace the
grade. Students will be given the weekend to complete and present on the next Monday.
FEES AND FUNDING
Each mariachi member will be required to purchase the following:
T-shirt = $15-$25 ( could be less)
All Girls will need to purchase a black pencil skirt to the knee along with some black
pumps or flats, and boys will need to purchase black slacks and black dress shoes.
Botines will be accepted.
All Students will be asked to purchase the school polo.
Botines = $65 - charol
Moño = $25 Black (juvenil) Black and White (HS) Black and Silver for MS 7-8
Belts = $85
Earrings = paid by the guild will need to be replaced if lost or broken.
Hair bows -paid by the guild will need to be replaced if lost or broken.
Jacket: $85 (HS)
Garment bags (HS) paid by guild will need to be replaced if lost or torn.
Violins: Shoulder rest,
Rosin: MS: Super-Sensative, Andrea, or Pirastro black; HS: Andrea, Gustave Bernardel or Pirastro black.
Micro fiber cloth
Set of strings, MS: D’ Adarrio Ascente strings, Prelude or Alphajue. HS: : D’ Adarrio Ascente strings
Dominant Plus Pirastro Gold E-saite string. Make sure to get extra A & E strings
Armonia: Neck Strap, pick(s), set of strings, extra G strings
Guitarron: Strap, set of strings, extra G strings.
School Harp: Strings for higher strings.
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BEHAVIOR Mariachi Sol Azteca members represent their families, school, and community. Students
must always act appropriately and must follow all school rules as outlined in the Grand
Prairie Fine Arts Academy Student Handbook. In addition to these rules, students must
follow the FIRST, THINK and the Social Contract. Students not complying with these
rules will face disciplinary action. Disciplinary consequences for breaking a rule include
but not limited to detention and/or community service.
Due to the number of students in the mariachi, talking must be kept to music questions
and with director approval and not at all while director(s) are teaching. When the group
is stopped during rehearsal, students should immediately stop playing and listen to
instructions. This is the only way to efficiently use rehearsal time. Efficient class session
and practice will result in success.
Students must wear school appropriate clothing at performances and on trips. Disruptive,
vulgar, or obscene behavior or language in general or directed at anyone is inappropriate
and will not be tolerated. Bullying, cyber or in person, will NEVER be tolerated.
REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM
No student is obligated to be a member of Mariachi Sol Azteca Phamily, nor is
participation required for graduation. Participation in the group is a privilege, not a right.
You auditioned to get into the academy and this strand; you must take pride in all we do.
Rules must be maintained and followed for the success of the mariachi program. The
Mariachi Directors, students and the Grand Prairie Independent School District
Administration direct these rules. Students who break the rules of the mariachi program
are subject to disciplinary action in addition to the consequences mandated by school
administration.
Students may be dismissed and/or placed on probation from the mariachi program at the
discretion of the Directors for participating in illegal activities. Mariachi students that
hold a leadership position in the program will automatically lose their leadership position
for participating in inappropriate activities. These activities include, but are not limited
to:
1. Possession, distribution or use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances
2. Misuse of prescription and over-the-counter medicine and herbal supplements
3. Any activities punishable as a felony
4. Stealing
5. Bullying, Fighting or threatening harm to others or self
PERSONAL ITEMS
The organization is not responsible for students’ belongings. Students should not ask any
staff member to hold, watch or guard any personal items. Leave all personal items of
value at HOME. The staff is not responsible for personal items lost or stolen at school or
on school-sponsored trips.
According to Texas state law, public school districts are not liable for personal property
that is stolen at school. The mariachi department strongly encourages instrument(s) be
included on the homeowner’s insurance policy. Have your parents call their insurance
companies for information on covering your musical instrument insurance on their
homeowner’s policy.
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EQUIPMENT
INSTRUMENTS
Students are expected to keep their instruments clean and in working order. If instrument
repairs are needed, students can take their instruments to a music store in the area. The
directors will inspect instruments periodically. If the instrument is not in working order,
lower participation grades may be given. You should have at least one set of strings for
your instrument incase a string breaks during rehearsal or a performance. Students
should not play other students’ instruments.
Students are required to take their instruments home and practice every day. Directors
will check instrument room to see if you have taken your instrument home. If you do
not, your daily grade may be lowered. The best time to improve by taking private lessons
is during the summer but also during the school year. The directors can recommend
private teachers for those who are interested.
UNIFORMS Each High School Mariachi Sol Azteca member is assigned a Gold traje. Mariachi
Tonatiuh will be assigned the Silver traje.
Middle School Students will be required to purchase a traje for the year from a local
vendor or purchase from a former middle school student.
The Uniform Manager will fit students with trajes. Uniform Managers will make sure to
bring to the attention of the student being issued the traje the necessary alterations that
need to be made. No traje should ever be permanently altered. Do not have trajes cut to
fit you. The Mariachi Sol Azteca trajes are the property of Grand Prairie Fine Arts
Academy and the Grand Prairie ISD. Uniforms must be treated with respect and kept in
the best possible condition. When any part of the traje is being worn, you must respect
the traje and wear all parts while in public! Therefore, trajes will be sent home and will
require for you to hang in the garment bag for the next performance. Students are
responsible for labeling their trajes and for keeping the traje clean. Traje’s should be
cleaned prior to all major competitions Students are responsible for lost or damaged
trajes. Shoes should be cleaned before each performance.
The casual uniform includes the mariachi T-shirt and jeans. The T-shirt must be tucked
in, the jeans must be worn at the waist, and have no holes or patches. Students should
wear a belt. School dress code applies.
The school uniform includes the school polo and Khaki pants.
The alternate uniform consists of boys: black socks and black botines, dress shirt
with logo, black tie and black slacks. Ladies will black skirts, panty hose and black
dress pumps
Hair and make up for Ladies is a must. Competition make up is different than informal
performance make up. Gentlemen must be well groomed, no beards or long hair.
Mustaches should be checked by director. All members must have natural hair color for
days of performances.
The Traje must be worn at all times in its entirety while in public.
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MUSIC
The Librarian/director supplies each student with one copy of each piece of assigned
music. Make a virtual copy. If music is lost, the librarian/director will furnish a new
copy for a charge of $.25 per page. All music must be kept in your binder or on your
IPad for rehearsals. Requests for copies of music must be made outside of rehearsal (i.e.
before or after school).
All Music should be downloaded to your iPad to have a digital and paper copy.
REHEARSALS: during class!
Students must be in their seats with their instruments out and ready to rehearse when the
bell rings or when the rehearsal has been designated to start. There will be no talking
tolerated unless you raise your hand and ask permission to speak to your section.
For rehearsal, students must have the following materials:
All music books and music binder/Ipad
Instrument
tuner
Sharpened pencil
Picks
Straps
Extra strings, rosin, valve oil
Groups: Mariachi Sol Azteca: High School Varsity Mariachi Tonatiuh: High School JV Mariachi Metzli: Middle School Varsity Mariachi Tlaltecuhtli: Middle School JV Mariachi Sol Azteca Juvenil: Beginners
Sectionals: HS: Tuesday and Thursday 3:05-4:05 During this virtual time, we will discuss the possibility of extra rehearsal online. Competitions: Dependent on the state of safety Mariachi Sol Azteca will be participating in at least two competitions. We will
compete in the TAME Area competition at a local venue. You must earn a first division
at the Area level to be able to advance to the State level competition, which is usually
held in the first week in February in a designated location. Students must be eligible for
all competitions. And, we will be competing at the GPISD Mariachi Festival, which will
be held in April. We will also be looking at competitions in other areas. These decisions
will be made between directors, students and parents due to costs.
There are other competitions during the year that we will have to raise money for
and discuss if we believe the event is an attainable event and if we are prepared for the
competitions. These include the Albuquerque Mariachi Spectacular, Mariachi Nationals
and the Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference and competition.
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There is not an obligation on the directors’ part to take students to competition just
because they are in the Varsity group. Students will be auditioned on their music and
memory before each competition. Every student is expected to know all of his or her
music at all times.
Some competition events will be subject to only one group, ie. Varsity.
TAME: both HS groups can qualify for state.
All State Mariachi: 2020-2021 INDIVIDUAL CONTESTS All Region and All State Mariachi Auditions: Students in all ensembles are encouraged to practice and participate in the All Region
Auditions held in the fall. The auditions are open to any student that is eligible and has
prepared for the event.
Please refer to the online calendar for the specific dates for auditions as well as the clinic
and concert.
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE: to be determined. Mariachi Sol Azteca and Mariachi Tonatiuh will participate in the ensemble portion of
the competition as a performing ensemble. Only one group will advance to state.
It is the programs expectations that all students play another small ensemble or a solo, in
addition to the mariachi ensemble portion of the competition. You will learn a classical
solo or a classical ensemble, and you must speak with the director as soon as possible to
choose appropriate material for the event. You must also be prepared to practice on your
own with the accompanist and the director to achieve the best rating.
PERFORMANCES/ CONCERTS
Performances are a direct extension of the classroom. All school performances are
required. If there is a conflict, you must speak to the director immediately so that the
conflict can be resolved. Work or other events are not an excused absent. Plan ahead.
Gigs are optional, but we cannot accept gigs without all instruments and vocals to make a
complete ensemble.
Several concerts are scheduled each year including four fundraiser concerts. These
concerts are held at the school hosting the events cafeteria and are open to the public.
Other events/concerts can come up during the school year and will be placed on the
calendar.
Gigs: All students will be put in to a 7-13 piece mariachi for gigs. We will have the list posted of members for each group. If student has a conflict, you must do the following:
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1. Let the leader of the group know asap. Leader will tell Ocampo. 2. Find a sub of the same instrument and ability. 3. You should not be getting a sub for ALL of your gigs. 4. We are charging between $45-$50 per student. Depends on gig.
RECOGNITION AND AWARDS LETTERING (HIGHSCHOOL ONLY)
To earn a letterman, jacket a student must accomplish all of the following.
Choir, Mariachi and Orchestra
_Student must be in program for two (2) consecutive years
_Tryout for All Region
_Attend solo and ensemble and receive a 1st Division on a Class One solo
or ensemble
_Participate in UIL Concert and Sight-reading (Choir and Orchestra)
_Qualify for TAME State (Mariachi) with a 1st division.
Students are encouraged to participate in the school musical.
SHORT TRIPS Students must obey all school rules while participating with the mariachi on or off
campus. All students must use school provided transportation to all specific events. The
school district provides transportation home from these events and students should travel
with the group home. In the event that there must be a deviation from this rule (e.g. for
testing, illness, family emergency) the student must present a written request from a legal
guardian in advance. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to travel home
from an event without written notification. Students will not be allowed to travel with
friends to or from an event.
Students will be informed of departure times. The directors will give students an
estimated time of arrival. Students will be allowed to call their parents prior to the arrival
at school. Students should be picked up within 15 minutes of returning to school.
Meal times planned during day trips. Students pay for their own meal unless specified
otherwise. Lines are usually very long, and some concessions are high priced. A sack
lunch should be considered.
Students are expected to wear their designated uniform while on trips. Students should
be aware that other schools do not provide dressing rooms.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Social events will be scheduled to celebrate any accomplishments for the mariachi
throughout the year.
End of the year party.
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MARIACHI Guilds. The purpose of the guild organization is to promote the mariachi and its activities and
keep parents informed about events and activities. As a result, the key functions of the
group involve communications, chaperones, and financial support. The Mariachi Sol
Azteca meets once a month during the school year. The time and date of monthly
meetings are set in the calendar. Deviation from these dates will be announced. All
parents are welcome to attend and participate.
The Guild recruit’s chaperones for trips. Many parents enjoy this experience.
Chaperones are responsible for giving minor first aid treatment; repairing uniforms
quickly; helping with what is needed by the directors and applauding loudly. Chaperones
must be district approved. Please go online and fill out the volunteer form.
There will be a fee for membership to the guild.
Procedures:
1. Be Human/ Be Kind
2. Come into the room through the indoor.
3. Drop off backpacks on the appropriate wall.
4. Check for announcement on the announcement board.
5. Pick up instrument from the instrument room or appropriate room.
6. Leave cases in the instrument room.
7. The instructional area should be clear of all cases and backpacks.
8. Sit in chair with instrument and music/books. No one sits on piano
bench.
9. Before the full class begins, you may practice in a soft mode on
scales, passages from all region music, or music that we are preparing
for competition/performances.
10. Tune
11. Begin class warm ups together.
12. Sweep the shed.
Schedule:
Music History Monday
Technique Tuesday
Writing Wednesday
Theory Thursday
Fun Friday
Supplies:
3 ringer large binder
Dividers
100 sheet protectors
5-subject notebook
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White erase markers
Colored pencils
Regular pencils/erasers
Strings (at least one set)
Straps for armonia
Picks, valve oil, rosin
Tuner
Metronome
Differentiation groups:
Assignments will be given and taught at the beginning of the week. Students
must record their assignment on Friday and upload their best performance by
11:59 pm on Friday. Late uploads will be accepted up to 2:00 pm on
Saturday. Anything after that will not be accepted for a grade. Students that
do not turn in their assignment will be put in the low group to begin the
week. Students that turn in their assignment in late will have a grade
deduction of 20 pts. Students will be given a 15-minute opportunity on
Friday during class to record and upload assignments if they do not have
wifi at home.
1. Masters group: students master all assignments
2. Intermediate group: students mostly master and need some help to
achieve.
3. Low group: students do not understand the music and need help to
understand the concept being taught.
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LINKS Grand Prairie ISD
www.gpisd.org
UIL Music
http://www.uil.utexas.edu/music/index.html
UIL Music Region 20
http://www.uilforms.com/regions/20/
TMEA
http://www.tmea.org/
Mr. E’s Music Company
http://www.mr-e-music.com/contact.php
Music & Arts: (Violins & Trumpets) www.musicarts.com
Arlington Highlands Shopping Center 4000
Five Points Boulevard Suite 129 Arlington, TX (817) 466-8696
Rivard Brothers: (Trumpets)
www.rivardbrothers.com 2425 W Arkansas Ln # A, Pantego, TX - (817) 459-2263
Jack Rasmussen: (Guitarron, Vihuela & Violins)
www.jackrasmussenluthier.com 1734 W. Division St. Arlington, TX (817) 548-9820