Starting the Year

by Noe Sanchez, MENC Mariachi National Chair
 

The MENC August 2006 Mariachi Newsletter introduced us to starting a mariachi program by providing a basic framework for directors interested in implementing a program. Once everything is in place, though, how do you get started? The first step, if you have not done so already, is to schedule the students into the appropriate mariachi class. Once you know how many students you will have, confirm that your school has the necessary instruments. If not, start creating purchase orders with bids so you can order instruments for your students.

The next step is to structure the program. Over the first five years of teaching I realized I was repeating some mistakes. To help with this, I decided to create a "How to Start the School Year" folder. In this folder, I placed all my vital information to begin the school year. Here are examples of items I placed in this folder.

**Click here to download samples of all forms referred to in the below sections.

Class Syllabus

I created my class syllabus so that the students and I would understand what I was going to cover throughout the year. In the syllabus, I included all my expectations, rules, grading procedures, and class routine, as well as supplies students needed to buy, such as a 3-ring binder for their music, pencils, manuscript paper, and other class materials.

Handbook

I created a mariachi handbook where I went into great detail about concerts, procedures, performance attire, expectations, rules, consequences of not following procedures, and a generic permission slip for all performances. I also made sure that there was a page for parents and students to sign as an official contract in order to stay in the class. Have your handbook approved by your administration before passing it out to students. If there is ever a dispute with a student, the administration will have to support you since the parents and students both signed the mariachi contract.

Instrument Contract

All students who will be using a school instrument should sign an instrument contract. Include vital information in this contract such as instrument, current condition, model, serial number, value, responsibility, and consequences for losing, breaking, or damaging the instrument. I do not let any student play an instrument until contracts have been returned. If your school does not provide instruments, this step is unnecessary.

Instrument and Class Inventory

If you start a program from scratch, start with an inventory of what you have in your assigned room, such as chairs, piano, and stereo. If you walk into a program that already has been in existence, create your own inventory list of all items in the room as well as playable instruments. This list will help you budget for the principal and document your needs. Update your list every year at the end of the year, and be sure to include any uniforms.

Mariachi Student Inventory Assignment

On the first day of school, when you have to take care of a lot of paperwork, pass out a brief questionnaire about the class. Include questions such as:

1. What do you expect from this class?
2. What are you willing to do to become a better mariachi student?
3. What is your favorite song?
4. Who is your favorite mariachi group?
5. List your favorite 15 mariachi songs.

This assignment will help you find out your students' favorite tunes and singers as well as give you a sense of their general knowledge of mariachi.

Music Theory Exam

Create a music theory exam that covers fundamentals and basic concepts you would expect students to know. This test is only a handwritten test, but you could include listening and aural skills as well. Give the test during the first week of class; by determining the level of music theory your students understand, this test will give you an idea of where to start.

Playing Test

If you are going to an established program, provide students with a playing exam. The results will help you choose repertoire at their level and will help you plan your year. For example, you can have violins, trumpets, and guitarrones play scales as well as a mariachi song. Guitars and vihuela players should be able to play the scales as well as have chord knowledge and "manico" (strumming) knowledge.

Mariachi Booster Club Bylaws and Constitution

Parent support is essential for a successful program. If there is no booster club at the school, create your own bylaws and constitution. Look at other programs (you can find many bylaws of different music organizations on the Internet) to give you ideas for creating your own. Have these bylaws approved by the administration, and schedule a meeting as soon as possible.

"Traje" Uniform Form

If you have uniforms, make sure you sign out any items passed out to students that will have to be returned to the school, such as belts, ties, and boots. Make sure students know the date by which the items must be returned, and the cost for replacement if items are lost or damaged.

Return-of-Items Form

Once you pass out all your forms, including your handbook, instrument contract, and uniform form, create a return-of-items form, per class, with students' names where you can check off when students have returned each item—this will help you track who has brought back all relevant forms. Place all forms in a 3-ring binder to consolidate everything in one location.

Lesson Plans for Every Class

Create lesson plans for every class to help you structure your curriculum. For the first weeks of class, go back and teach music fundamentals, listen to mariachi music, watch videos on mariachi and instrument technique, and have students play old repertoire. Once all forms have been returned and you have passed out the instruments, then you can begin to teach new material. Buy a class set of method music for all instruments, and have warm-ups, scales, vocal exercises, and songs already planned out. For further assistance, see MENC's Mariachi Curriculum Web page.

Seating Master Chart

Create a generic seating chart for your class to help you memorize your students' names.

Any Other Relevant Forms

As you go through the year, develop other necessary forms as you see a need for them. Be sure to keep both electronic and hard copies, and keep backups off site.

Create a Web Page

Create a Web page that your students and parents will visit. Provide vital information such as rehearsals, concert dates, and booster club meetings. Include links about mariachi history, research steps, and other resources. If you have written or compiled your own material, upload it in PDF format.

I hope this information will help you get started. Keeping a "How to Start the School Year" folder has helped me immensely throughout my years of teaching. I wished someone had told me to do this at the beginning. Remember, you may add forms as your year progresses, but it is important to have some sort of contract and class structure from the beginning to be successful. Good luck this year!