Orchestra & Keyboard Music Handbook

Orchestra & Keyboard Music Handbook

2021-2022

Mr. Isaac Corzo, M. Mus.

Director | (305) 385-7144

[email protected]

2021-2022 ARVIDA MUSIC HANDBOOK

Page2 Arvida Middle School Orchestra & Keyboard www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com ●

I. GRADING

Welcome, Arvida Music Vikings! I am glad you have chosen to join the Orchestra and/or Keyboard program(s). My name is Mr. Corzo and I will be your new Orchestra Director and Keyboard Professor. I have been teaching music for over a decade but learning and creating music for over 28 years. I earned a Bachelor’s in Music Theory and a Master’s of Music in Orchestral Conducting from Florida International University, and I enjoy playing piano, ukulele, drums, composing, arranging, producing music, conducting and, of course, teaching. If you’d like to know more about me, you may visit the new Arvida Music Vikings website that I created at: https://www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com.

There are a few things you will need to know before beginning the school year. Please take a

few minutes to read, print, and sign the attached forms with your parents. I will need both signatures at the bottom of the last page before you return it to me for your first grade of the year. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the class!

A. PARTICIPATION This accounts for up to 20% of your grade. It should be very easy for all of you to do

well in this category. If the rules for participation in class are followed daily, you should receive full credit. One warning will be issued before I start deducting points.

B. RULES FOR PARTICIPATION IN MUSIC CLASS

1. Students will be prepared for class by having their instrument, music, pencil, and agenda ready at all times. Each student will be held responsible for any music given by the teacher. If any copies of music are misplaced, there will be a 10-cent fine per page!

2. Students will exhibit “good posture” when playing the keyboard or their stringed instrument at their assigned seat until dismissal unless directed otherwise.

3. Students will remain quiet when the director is talking and/or demonstrating something, when their section is not playing, when a message comes over the loudspeaker, or when someone enters the room to speak with the director. Students will raise their hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.

4. Students will participate in the given activity as assigned by the director. It is unacceptable to sit in class without participating in rehearsal unless given permission by the director.

5. Students will be on time to class.



II. PERFORMANCES

C. HOME LEARNING, EXAMS, CONCERT PERFORMANCES and THEORY WORK:

1. These account for up to 80% of your grade. 2. There will be written exams and theory home learning given

periodically to test student knowledge of musical concepts and musical selections we are working on at the time.

3. Performances and class projects will be worth multiple grades. 4. For Orchestra students, practice logs are due every Monday. Practice

logs are to be signed by the parent that has observed the child practice. It is important to be honest with the practice logs as they help me understand what the child is doing at home in order to better assist them. The logs will also require students to write about their goals in the practice room. Practice logs can be found at www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com

5. There is also the new option of doing a SMARTMUSIC Test instead of a practice log. The score on the Smart Music test must be above an 85% to receive credit. It is very important that students practice at home. See attached letter regarding Smart Music. Smart Music this year is only $9 per student.

There will be several performances throughout the year. These will give you the opportunity to display your skills and work as a team to share your musical talents. Therefore, it is very important that everyone participate.

Attendance at all performances is mandatory and will count for several grades. The only acceptable excuses for missing a performance are illness (with a doctor’s/hospital a note), death in the family, or a religious obligation. In any case, your parents must contact me well in advance, please!

Performances are posted weeks in advance so that you can make the necessary arrangements to attend. I will have the dates posted on the big calendar that is in the classroom for everyone to see and on the calendar on the Arvida Middle School Website, and in the Music Program website: www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com, I will also send reminder E-mails. Parents, please make sure I have your correct E-mails. Here are some performance dates to jot down that are extremely important: (Please check website calendar for any changes).

1.) Winter Show: This will be sometime in December; date is TBA. (All orchestra students must attend and perform on this evening. (Some piano students may also be performing on that evening.)

2.) Piano Spring Recital: Date TBA, but will be in the Arvida Auditorium. 3.) Spring Concert: This will be sometime in May, most likely at Varela

Senior High School.



A. CASUAL ATTIRE

The AMS Orchestra polo or AMS Piano T-shirt will be used for field trips, competitions, and casual Performances. All shirt orders for the year must be made and paid for by October 8th! Please send an envelope with the size of the shirt and name of the student; then have the student put it in the designated drop box in the classroom.

Orchestra Polo EVERY ORCHESTRA STUDENT MUST HAVE ONE. We do this for safety

reasons on Field Trips and School Performances. The cost is $15 per shirt. Chaperones are required to wear the Orchestra polo for field trips.

Piano T-shirt All piano students who do not already own the Black Arvida Piano T-Shirt can

get one for $10 per shirt. B. CONCERT ATTIRE

Every student will be required to wear a uniform during performances. The following is your performance dress codes by class.

KEYBOARD GIRLS & BOYS: Semi-formal attire. No jeans, spaghetti strapped dresses, flip-flops, open-toed

strapless sandals, or tennis shoes allowed! All skirts must be below the knees for girls. (Remember, the audience usually sits below stage level).

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA GIRLS: Long-sleeved white blouse, (not off-white or cream-colored); long,

black pants or skirt, and black dress shoes. BOYS: White tuxedo shirt, black dress pants, bow tie, and black dress shoes.

INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED ORCHESTRA GIRLS: Black gown uniforms. If you do not have a black gown, your child will

be measured ASAP so that one may be made. Mr. Tux will come to the school on an announced date to measure all students that have made an order. Please have uniforms ordered by October 8th! The VMPA E-mail is [email protected]. This is a parent organization that helps other parents and Mr. Corzo with funds and information distribution. More flyers will be coming soon regarding uniforms.

BOYS: White tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo vest with black bow tie, black dress pants, black dress shoes with black socks. We order tuxedo shirts, black ties, and black vests each year (so boys look uniform and are as professional as possible) from Mr. Tux. Fullback Vests are $25 each; Formal Tuxedo Shirts are $20 each; and Satin Tuxedo Bow Ties are $5 each. We will also be taking measurements for the boys. The VMPA and I will keep you updated.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your uniforms!



III. SEATING

IV. CONDUCT

STUDENTS NOT WEARING THE APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM.

If you have any questions, or are unsure if your attire is appropriate, please contact Mr. Corzo or the VMPA ahead of time, NOT on the date of the performance.

The Arvida Music Department recognizes the reality and importance of competition as a component for growth. To this end, various positions of leadership are available for orchestra and keyboard members. All judgments pertaining to seating and solo opportunities will be made as objectively as possible by the teacher.

As with most auditions, judgments for seating express an opinion based on musical ability, preparedness, and musical maturity. Age and previous status do not necessarily ensure the result of an audition. Music is a skill: hard work and preparedness are the best tools for gaining the best results. I applaud students, parents, and families who encourage achievement and foster belief in mutual respect and understanding. Please note that:

• Seating auditions are mandatory for orchestra and keyboard. • Failure to attend a seating audition or “challenge” will automatically

disqualify the absent orchestra or keyboard student. • Failure to attend a solo audition will automatically disqualify the

keyboard or orchestra student’s solo opportunity in an assembly or concert.

• Designated Concertmaster, Principals, and Assistant Principals Orchestra members are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of conduct and performance during rehearsals and concerts.

A. RULES The following rules have been established in order to earn your conduct grade.

1. Be on time to class. Once two tardies are accumulated, a detention will be issued on the third tardy.

2. Any personal items should be kept in your book bags such as make-up, perfume, or electronic devices. If confiscated, they may be picked up by a parent from the teacher or the principal.

3. No food, drinks, candy, or gum are allowed; but do bring your own water bottle. 4. Show respect to your peers and your teacher by following all directions

the first time given. 5. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.



V. MATERIALS

B. PENALTIES:

• 1st offense: Verbal Warning. • 2nd offense: Conduct Cut. • 3rd offense: Detention and one letter grade conduct cut for the nine weeks. • 4th offense: A referral and two letter grade conduct cuts for the nine weeks.

A. KEYBOARD MATERIALS [DUE NOW] • All students need a black binder with plastic sheet protectors inside to put

music in. The student’s name should be visible on the outside. There will be a binder check the second week of school. All books can be purchased on www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com (via Amazon), Kendall Conservatory of Music, Allegro Music Center, or any other music retailer.

• 1st-year students need Alfred’s “Essentials of Music Theory” Book I. The cost is $8.50.

• 2nd and 3rd year students need Alfred’s “Essentials of Music Theory” Book II. The cost is $8.50.

• All students need to bring their own headphones with their names on them. Students must have headphones to participate in class. Failure to bring headphones will result in a grade cut and you will not be allowed to play with the keyboard’s internal speaker volume in class.

• All keyboard students will be reading from Bastien’s Piano Method books. These books are always to be kept in the classroom at the designated spot once the students have finished using them. They must never leave the classroom! If you would like one of these books to keep at home, you may purchase them on www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com (via Amazon) or from one of the music stores listed in this handbook. This is highly recommended for dedicated students that would like to practice their songs at home. The cost for these books is about $8.00.

All books can also be purchased from the VMPA classroom Dropbox store the first three weeks of school. After the 1st three weeks, you need to purchase them at some other retailer.



B. ORCHESTRA MATERIALS [DUE NOW]

• 1st year students also need “Essential Elements for Strings, Book I

with EEi.” The cost is about $10.00. This book may be used along with Smart Music. The book can be purchased through www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com (via Amazon), Kendall Conservatory of Music, Allegro Music Center, or any other music retailer. 2nd year students need “Essential Elements for Strings, Book II with EEi.” Please make sure to buy the appropriate book for the instrument your student plays (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Double Bass).

• All students need a black binder with plastic sheet protectors inside to put music in. The student’s name should be visible on the outside. There will be a binder check on the second week of school.

• All students need to pay $7 for an online theory book/course called http://breezinthrutheory.com. You can pay for the book by bringing cash in a labeled envelope and placing it inside the money drop box in the classroom.

• All students will need to create a SmartMusic.com account (if they don’t already have one) and join their class using a specific code provided by the teacher. The cost for this online subscription is about $13.99 for the entire year and is well worth it.

• All students need to have their own shoulder rest if they play violin or viola. All students who play the cello or bass need to have their own rock stop, which they can keep at home and use for concerts. You can purchase these items at www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com (via Amazon), Allegro Music Center, Kendall Conservatory, or from www.StringPower.net. Also, these items will be sold at our first booster club meeting (TBA) to save parents time.

• All students need to have their own appropriate rosin for their instrument.

• All students must bring a pencil to every rehearsal in order to mark their sheet music with specific instructions from the director.

The Essential Elements books can be purchased from Mr. Corzo and VMPA the first three weeks of school. After the 1st three weeks, you will need to purchase them at the store or online.

Students may rent a school instrument (although they are not great). However, more dedicated students are recommended and greatly encouraged to invest in buying an instrument or renting one from any local music store.



VI. INSTRUMENT CARE

VII. FIELD TRIPS (Parents)

1. Students are solely responsible for their instrument(s). 2. Orchestra students will be assigned a locker space to keep their

instrument safe at all times. 3. Orchestra students may leave their instrument in the lockers during the

day and pick them up after school to take them home. I will allow pick-ups in the mornings at around 8:45 AM, unless I have a meeting, so students can have enough time to drop off instruments and not be late to their first period.

4. Violins, Violas, Cellos, and/or Basses are not to be kept in a car because the heat damages the instruments.

5. Orchestra and Keyboard students are expected to take care of their instruments, keep them clean, unscratched, and fully functional.

6. Any student caught damaging or being reckless with any instrument will be given a detention and, if necessary, will be asked to pay for any repairs or replacements.

If a rental instrument breaks, DO NOT try to fix it yourself.

IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY MR. CORZO.

7. All Students using a school instrument will need to pay a rental fee and sign a rental agreement the 2nd week of September. A letter will go home with students through their homeroom teachers on the rental amount and where to pay. The fees will be a $10 Music Fee and a $20 Instrument Rental Fee for the year.

A. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

If you would like to be a chaperone on one or more of the various field trips we will be taking this year, including our big end-of-the-year-trip to Orlando, please download the ”ARVIDA MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER” form on Arvidamiddle.org and do the necessary procedures EVERY year to update your volunteer status, including turning in a copy of your driver’s license to the main office attached to the form. If you are planning on going on overnight field trips you must apply for L2 status. If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Carney in the main office. ONLY approved volunteers can attend field trips! You must be an approved volunteer by October 8th to attend any field trips!



Our booster club “Viking Music Patrons Association” (VMPA) is a 501c3 nonprofit

organization that is committed to the betterment of the Arvida Middle School Orchestra & Keyboard Program. Please show your support and sign up in any of its volunteer opportunities to become involved and to be an integral part of your child’s middle school experience. Please contact Mr. Corzo about signing up.

B. SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:

Here are some things that our parents are expected to do in order to continue the success of our program:

Encourage your child to have: A.) Diligent practice and maximization of private lessons.

1.) Students are expected to practice at home at least 20 minutes a day, every day.

2.) Students are encouraged to have private lessons on his or her instrument and will be given extra credit for this. If you cannot afford private lessons, contact Mr. Corzo and she will do her best to arrange free or minimal cost private lessons from various volunteers she is in contact with.

B.) Regular and prompt attendance at rehearsals and concerts.

Contribute: C.) Your time at concerts, or become involved in the Viking Music

Patron Association which is specifically designed to contribute to the Music Program at Arvida.

D.) Your special skill or talents that could benefit performances or fundraisers.

Attend: A.) Viking Music Patron Association Meetings. (a.k.a Booster

Meetings), Your attendance would greatly be appreciated, and your child will receive extra credit if you attend.

B.) Concerts (the entire concert; not just your child’s performance!)



First Mandatory Parents/Student Meeting

Date: Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 Location: ARVIDA Middle School Auditorium Time: 6:00pm Supply Sales; SmartMusic and BreezinThruTheory training.

7:00pm General Meeting In this meeting we will talk about the Music Program Attire, Field Trips, Concert

Dates, Fundraisers, after School Sales, provide Volunteer Opportunities, discuss the “End of the Year” trip and nominate new officers. Also, in attendance will be:

Starting at 6PM - Mr. Alain Orbiz of String Power. He will be selling shoulder rests, rock stops,

rosins, music stands, and even instruments!

MUSIC STORES AFFILIATED WITH ARVIDA

Allegro Music Center 6869 SW 8th Street 305-740-9400 www.allegromiami.com

* Books, instruments, instrument repairs, instrument rentals, instrument accessories, and selection of sheet music.

Kendall Conservatory of Music 7145 S.W. 117 Avenue Miami, Florida 33183 Phone 305-274-9207 Fax 305-595-0300 www.kendallmusic.com

String Power – Alain Orbiz 786-512-8698 www.stringpower.net

* Books, instruments, instrument rentals, sheet music, private lessons, and instrument accessories.

* Instrument Repairs and supplies



PRIVATE TEACHERS

The Kendall Conservatory of Music and Allegro Music Center offer private lessons. If you call, they can assign a private music teacher at a discount, however some of the teachers have very little experience.

Below is a list of names and numbers of teachers I recommend: (All teachers charge differently. Some are open to price negotiations, and some are not. Some will drive to your house, and others will not. I know all these teachers personally and highly recommend them. If you have any questions, please let me know.

VIOLIN Phone # VIOLA Phone #

Besnik Hashani * 786-417-3163 Vivian Torres 305-431-1528 Andrés Trujillo 305-510-4960 Scott Odonnell 305-282-4175 Vivian Gonzalez 786-301-1154 Mariangely Díaz 305-951-1016 Dr. Melissa Lesniak 305-282-8064

CELLO Phone # BASS Phone #

Edder Rivera 305-431-8816 Jon Dadurka 305-984-5725 Sada Adam Morales 786-334-2461 Ali Darvish 305-508-0260 Jose Pradas Castello 786-768-3559 Ali Darvish 305-508-0260

KEYBOARD Phone #

Rosa Scott * 917-940-3443 Marion Scott * 786-383-6106 Luis Urbina 305-781-3936

* Indicates that the teacher may be able to drive to your house.



This Handbook will always be on the www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com website. Please sign and print the following pages. Both fillable forms are also worth one grade

each and are due no later than Wednesday, September 1st!

Have a great year!

Mr. Corzo Arvida Middle School Orchestra and Keyboard Director [email protected]

Mr. Isaac Corzo Arvida Middle School

I HAVE READ THE 2021-22 ARVIDA MUSIC VIKING HANDBOOK ALONG WITH AT LEAST ONE OF MY PARENTS AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES AND POLICIES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THIS CLASS.

Student’s Name (Please Print) Student’s Signature

Parent’s Name (Please Print) Parent’s Signature Date

I’VE COMPLETED THE STUDENT INFORMATION FORM AT:

www.charmsoffice.com

Dear Parents and Students, Our orchestra department will be using SmartMusic to help students practice and perfect their music this

year. Please read this letter to learn what SmartMusic is and why it is such an important tool for our orchestra program and your child’s musical development. Smart Music is an option in its introductory year in your child’s orchestra class. Since access to the program will be provided only before and after school, it is highly recommended that all students purchase a subscription for home use.

What is Smart Music? SmartMusic is a software-based computer program that helps students practice and submit their school music assignments. Students can practice exercises, solos, methods, as well as the music they are performing in band. SmartMusic records and even grades student progress from home or school and includes a metronome, tuner, and digital recorder.

How does SmartMusic benefit your family? Individual practice is often dull, as the music has been taken out of its intended group context. SmartMusic makes practicing exciting! With SmartMusic, students practice with professional accompaniment. This makes practice time more engaging and productive and helps develop better listening skills and a more mature understanding of the music. Students often practice longer and more effectively as a result of the built-in assessment feature. SmartMusic enables students to record their assignments for self-evaluation and submit these recordings as part of their assignment. Most assignments offer assessments, where green and red notes indicate what students have performed correctly and where improvement is needed. A SmartMusic subscription also provides your student immediate access to the world’s largest accompaniment library, allowing them to explore areas of interest and set their own developmental objectives.

What is needed to support SmartMusic? SmartMusic works on your PC or Mac and requires an internet connection to activate your subscription and receive and send assignments online. SmartMusic suggests that you order a SmartMusic microphone; however, your built-in computer microphone or a generic external microphone are usually sufficient. Other system requirements and support contacts are listed at www.smartmusic.com/support.

What does this cost? You can purchase a full-year subscription for only $9.00 per year. This is the new cloud version! (You will need to renew this subscription yearly.) If you need a microphone, most computers have a built in one, the cost $19.95 Windows ($29.95 for Mac) can be purchased from SmartMusic directly.

How do I get started? It’s easy to purchase and activate your SmartMusic subscription. If you run into any questions with purchasing, activating, or using SmartMusic, please contact the SmartMusic tech support.

1. Visit www.smartmusic.com and login with your student’s email address/password that is listed on the next page.

2. Under Store, follow the on-screen instructions to order SmartMusic. (It is recommended that you download the program from the SmartMusic website to avoid shipping costs of the installation CD.)

3. When you download or receive SmartMusic, install SmartMusic with the installation CD & launch the program.

4. To activate your subscription, use your student’s email address and password that is listed on the next page.

5. Enroll your student in their correct Arvida Orchestra class.

Sincerely, Mr. Isaac Corzo Arvida Middle School Orchestra & Keyboard Director [email protected] (305) 385-7144 ext. 2295 www.ArvidaMusicVikings.com

SmartMusic Student Contract

SmartMusic provides a great experience for students at all levels. For example:

• Students practice with background accompaniment and get visual and audio feedback on each assignment, which makes practice more meaningful and productive.

• SmartMusic motivates students to continue practicing to improve their scores, similar to Guitar Hero or other video games, which makes practicing more fun!

• Teachers can provide more individualized attention for your child with SmartMusic’s assignment features.

• Parents always have access to their student’s progress. Students will use SmartMusic as a practice and assessment tool through the year. Please

select whether you will purchase SmartMusic for your student to use at home, or whether your student will need to complete their SmartMusic assignments before/after school. Please note: an alternate assignment to this is a 2-hour practice log for that week. Practice log forms are on the ArvidaMusicVikings.com website under Resources. Rewards will be given as incentives to those students who have the most SmartMusic test scores above an 85%.

Option A: The student will use SmartMusic from their home computer and will complete SmartMusic assignments at home.

Option B: The student below will not do smart music.

Student Name:

Student Signature:

Parent Name:

Parent Signature:

In order for every student to use the program, they must make an individual account. Accounts were created at the school, and below is the information for your student’s account.

If purchasing SmartMusic: The information below is the account login and password you must use when ordering SmartMusic. DO NOT make a parent account or else the subscription will be linked to the parent account instead of the student’s account! I only need this in case a student wants to do smart music at school and they lost their login and password information.

Student E-Mail:

SmartMusic Password:

Parent E-mail (if student is under 13):

Orchestra & Keyboard Music Handbook

Documents

Transcript of Orchestra & Keyboard Music Handbook