GOODSON MS ORCHESTRA

HANDBOOK 2019-2020
Shannon Jagdeo, Head Orchestra Director
Phone: (281) 373-2710
Shannon.Jagdeo@cfisd.net

Fo llo w us o n Ins t a gra m : @Go o ds o nOrc h

Twitter: @GoodsonOrch

Due: Friday, September 13

Please read and review BEFORE signing.

R e t u r n t h e f o l l o w i n g : (Click on the links below)

1 . C o m m u n i c a t i o n f o r m ( p g . 6) ,
2. Order form (pg.10)
3. Optional - Donation Form
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Tools for Success
 Pencil and Highlighter
 Finger nails must be short at all times. The student must be able to place his/her finger tips on a flat surface and have
each knuckle curved without the nail interfering.
 Metronome to help keep a steady tempo for at-home practice time (Highly recommended!)
** For only $3.99 you can purchase the Tonal Energy App on iTunes – this is a GREAT deal because you get a
metronome and tuner in one app. I highly recommend this app and use it myself.

Concert Dress
Please adhere to these concert dress guidelines. DO NOT wear black athletic shoes.
Concert dress MUST be approved by the director. These guidelines are to make a more uniform look and must be followed
exactly.
Girls
- Dress Shirt:
- Symphony and Chamber required to purchase
Goodson Orchestra tuxedo dress shirt ($16.68)
*Students will be professionally sized at school*
- Beginners and Philharmonic white, plain long-
sleeved dress shirt
- Black dress pants (straight cut, no skinny fitting
types) – no denim material (NO JEANS).
IF you would like to wear a skirt it MUST be
approved by me in advanced. Otherwise I should
not see anyone wearing skirts.
(Skirts must be long to the ankle)
- Black closed-toed dress shoes – NO high heels and
no strappy sandals. Heels must be 1 inch or less
(or flat shoe).
Boys
- Dress Shirt:
- Symphony and Chamber required to purchase
Goodson Orchestra tuxedo dress shirt ($16.68)
*Students will be professionally sized at school*
- Beginners and Philharmonic white, plain long-
sleeved dress shirt
- Black dress pants - no denim material
(NO JEANS)
- Black socks – NOT white socks
- Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes or sneakers)
**NO blue colors of any kind will be permitted.

Concert Etiquette
 Cell phones and electronic devices are to be turned off during all orchestra concerts.
 As an audience member, you should sit quietly during a performance. Please try to stay seated during the concert –
moving around can be distracting to the performers.
 Orchestra students are expected to stay and hear all orchestras performing on the concert. If you need to leave
early, a parent must contact the director prior to the concert to make the needed arrangements.
 Seating can sometimes be limited, so make sure to leave seats available for others.
 Make sure to applaud to show your enthusiastic support!

Sectionals
Sectionals are rehearsal times for specific groupings of students. This allows me to work with the sections on a more individual
basis. Students in the Chamber and Symphony orchestras are required to participate in weekly one-hour or half-hour sectional
rehearsals held after school when assigned. This requirement is in addition to our regular class rehearsal during the academic
day. All students will receive a major grade for participation at each sectional.

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Attendance
Attendance at all concerts, rehearsals and sectionals are required – during and outside of school hours. These activities are
considered co-curricular because they are extensions of what we do in the classroom each day. Grades will be given at these
activities. Students and parents must plan ahead and make arrangement for staying after-school.

If a conflict other than illness or extreme emergency occurs, notification and a request for permission to miss the event must be
submitted in writing by parent/guardian to the director in advance. Notification of absences due to illness or emergency must
be made to the director by parent/guardian before or immediately after the missed rehearsal or performance.

An unexcused absence from a concert or any UIL activity will result in one major failure grade deducted from the student's
grading period average.

Private Lessons
All students are highly encouraged to study privately during the school year. The director will give all students a list of preferred
teachers from around the area.

Participation Eligibility
According to state law, a student whose grading period average is 69% or lower is ineligible to participate in any out-of-school
activity. This law applies to Region Orchestra, Solo/Ensemble Contest, UIL Contests, and any extra trips (Splashtown). The
law does not apply to local school concerts, as they are an extension of the classroom activity.

Behavior - A Higher Standard

With the approval of the principal and Superintendent, sponsors and coaches of extracurricular activities may develop and
enforce standards of behavior that are higher than the District-developed Student Code of Conduct and may condition
membership or participation in the activity on adherence to those standards. Extracurricular standards of behavior may take
into consideration conduct that occurs at any time, on or off school property. Extracurricular behavioral standards shall not
have the effect of discriminating on the basis of gender, race, color, disability, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. A student
shall be informed of any extracurricular behavior standards at the beginning of each school year or when the student first begins
participation in the activity. A student and his or her parent shall sign and return to the sponsor or coach a statement that they
have read the extracurricular behavior standards and consent to them as a condition of participation in the activity. Standards
of behavior for an extracurricular activity are independent of the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of these standards of
behavior that are also violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in independent disciplinary actions. A student may
be removed from participation in extracurricular activities or may be excluded from school honors for violation of
extracurricular standards of behavior for an activity or for violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

Grading Policy
Curricular and extra curricular performances are part of the expectation for orchestra. A student’s participation in both
curricular and extracurricular activities may be considered when assigning the grade for the grading period during which the
activity occurred.

- 25% Checking for Understanding: Practice Charts, participation and rehearsal etiquette
- 35% Relevant Applications: Short quizzes, playing tests and written tests
- 40% Summative Assessments: Curricular performances (concerts), sectionals and major test

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Practice
Just like in other classes, you will have homework in orchestra. The difference is your homework is practicing your instrument!
Each week you will practice the music and skills learned in class. Go to Mrs. Jagdeo’s website to access the links to a Google
Form that you will use to record the minutes you have practiced each week. (There will also be a QR code to scan in class to get
the link as well). Make sure to click on the correct link for the correct Grading Period. Minutes start on Monday of each week
and go until Sunday night. After that a new week will start. Don't forget to fill out the correct Grading Period form and enter in
the correct week by Sunday - this will be done every week.

There are also two reflection questions. Take the time to answer those honestly (DO NOT copy and paste from a previous
week). Each week should be a different reflection or a slight change from the previous one. These reflections are a part of the
total grade and you may get points off if your answer is not thorough.

Once a week I will check your responses for a grade. The following minutes are required weekly for each class to earn a grade
of '100'
Beginners = 120 minutes
Philharmonic = 120 minutes
Symphony = 140 minutes
Chamber = 180 minutes
Consistency is key! Schedule regular practice time at home every day preferably at the same time each day. All students need to
make practice time a priority. It is key to your success as a musician and the orchestra. Unfortunately, lack of practice (and
evidence of practice) may be grounds for removal from a performing group. Demonstration of proficiency in class is a prime
consideration when placing a child in a performing group. Here are some practicing tips:
 Practice in a quiet place
 Practice at the same time each day to create a routine
 Some students may want to break up their practice into smaller segments to help with busy schedules.
 Isolate sections of music that are difficult and carefully practice them. Playing pieces over and over does NOT
accomplish much and in fact, may be harmful to your growth as a musician. Using a metronome at a slower
tempo and gradually increasing the speed is very useful in many practice situations.
 Keep a positive attitude. Practicing is not always easy but it is a means to an end. With individual practice, the
group will be able to perform at its full potential.

What is…
Region Orchestra:
The Texas Music Educator’s Association sponsors the Region Orchestra that performs mid-November of each year. Audition is
encouraged for those enrolled in Chamber Orchestra. Those selected through the audition process will participate in a three-day
clinic/concert. This is a great honor and should be something to work towards.

Solo and Ensemble Contest:

This contest allows students to display their individual talents. Students must pay their own entry fee and their accompanist’s
fee. Students may elect to play a solo or an ensemble. Either the private teacher or the orchestra director will assist in selection
and preparation of appropriate music.

UIL (University Interscholastic League Orchestra Contest):

Three musical selections are prepared through concentrated work in class, extra rehearsals, and a practice Pre- UIL contest. In
addition, each participating orchestra is required to sight-read a composition that has not been previously studied or performed
by the group. Both performances are judged by 3 judges and rated on a scale of “I”- “V”, with “I” being the highest rating.
Trophies are awarded to orchestras receiving the “I” rating in either concert or sight-reading, with a Sweepstakes trophy award
for a composite rating of “I” in both areas. This event is usually held in March or April.

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Communication - Required Sign-Ups
Remind
It is important for the Goodson Orchestra and parents to communicate efficiently throughout the year.
Please sign up for Remind alert texts to receive updates regarding upcoming events, rehearsals, last
minute reminders etc. Please sign up for the correct class below:

Beginning Orchestra TEXT @BegOrchGMS TO PHONE NUMBER 81010

Philharmonic Orchestra TEXT @PhilGMS TO PHONE NUMBER 81010
Symphony Orchestra TEXT @SymGMS TO PHONE NUMBER 81010
Chamber Orchestra TEXT @ChamberGMS TO PHONE NUMBER 81010

Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a program to help facilitate communication between teachers, students, and parents.
Here you may find the orchestra calendar, handouts, volunteer opportunities, etc.
Follow the directions below.
***You must use the student's school district email in order to log in (not a personal email address)***
1. Go to classroom.google.com.
2. At the top, click Add Join class.

3. Enter the class code your teacher gave you and click Join.
A class code consists of 6 or 7 letters or numbers (See below)

Class Codes:
Beginning Orchestra: 51388oc
Philharmonic Orchestra: fhyr5z
Symphony Orchestra: 1xaeph8
Chamber Orchestra: q3xv6r

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  Please fill out, sign, and return the following pages: 

Communication Form
Tatyana Tatyana
First Name: ____________________Last Name:____________________________

I have successfully signed up for Remind (see page 6)

I have successfully logged into Google Classroom (see page 6).

Verified by PDFfiller

Betty Johnlouis 09/10/2019

Signature of Parent/Guardian

*Please contact Mrs. Jagdeo (Shannon.Jagdeo@cfisd.net) if you have trouble or cannot access Google
from home

Handbook Acknowledgement
STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This is to acknowledge that a copy of the 2019-2020 Goodson Orchestra Handbook has been made
available to me. I have read and understand the information contained in the handbook.
Keiyona Thompson
________________________________________________________
Name of Student (Please print clearly)
Verified by PDFfiller

Betty Johnlouis 09/10/2019

____________________________________
09/10/19
_________________
Signature of Student Date

PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understand the information contained in the Goodson Orchestra Handbook. I also
understand and agree that my child shall be held accountable for the behavior expectations and
consequences as described in this handbook.

I understand that CFISD and Goodson Orchestra policies and procedures can change at any time. Since
orchestra participation is optional, I understand and agree that those who choose to participate will be
held to higher standards of behavior and performance in and out of school.
Verified by PDFfiller

Betty Johnlouis 09/10/2019

____________________________________
09/10/19
___________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

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Goodson Middle School ORCHESTRA
17333 Huffmeister ~ Cypress, TX 77429 ~ 281-373-2350 ~ Fax 281-373-2355

Help Support the award-winning Goodson Orchestra Program!

The Goodson Orchestra program is always looking for opportunities to support
our students. We ask you to consider a one-time, tax-deductible donation.
Any amount is greatly appreciated!

Donors will be acknowledged in all Goodson Orchestra 2019-2020 concert programs.

Portions of the monies donated will go towards:

providing clinicians for student master classes;
student supplies (i.e., strings, binders, tuners, etc.);
piano accompaniment fees;
scholarships;
purchasing and maintaining instruments.

Please provide the following information so that we may properly acknowledge you.
Name/Company Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________
Phone number: _____________________Email address: _____________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $________________ Check # __________ Cash __________

→ Please make checks payable to “Goodson Orchestra” ←

All contributions are tax-deductible. Return with a student or mail to the following address:
Goodson Middle School
c/o: Goodson Orchestra
17333 Huffmeister
Cypress, TX 77429
Many employers offer Matching Grant/Donation Programs.
Please contact your Human Resources Department for information regarding Matching Grant opportunities.

Thank you for your generous contribution and support!

Shannon Jagdeo
Director of Goodson Orchestras

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 Tatyana Thompson
First Name: ____________________Last Name: ____________________________

Goodson MS Orchestra Order Form

Payment must be made online thru SCHOOL CASH:
https://cypress-fairbanksisd.schoolcashonline.com/
1. Orchestra T-Shirt: Required for all Orchestra members. These shirts will be worn at informal
concerts, picture day, trips, social functions, and orchestra spirit days 

Please indicate t-shirt size below ($14 each):

ADULT NUMBER OF
SIZES SHIRTS
S
M 1

L
XL
XXL
**These are ADULT t-shirt sizes (not youth sizes)
1
TOTAL SHIRTS ORDERD THROUGH SCHOOL CASH: ______

2. Method Books: Required for Philharmonic, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestra

Philharmonic : 1. Solos & Etudes Book 1 - $4.73

Symphony: 1. Solos & Etudes Book 2 - $4.73

2. Tuxedo Dress Shirt - $16.68
**Required for students new to Symphony or if you need a different size from last year

Chamber: 1. Expressive Techniques for Orchestra - $11.07

2. Tuxedo Dress Shirt (Replaces white button down dress shirt) - $16.68
**Required for students if you were not in Symphony last year and are new to Chamber; or if
you need a different size from last year

Please check the following:

฀ I have paid and ordered my t-shirt(s) through School Cash. TOTAL SHIRTS ORDERED ____ 1

฀ I have paid and ordered my method books (plus additional tuxedo shirt for Symphony and Chamber) through School
Cash
****If you are unable to pay at this time please contact Mrs. Jagdeo!****
Verified by PDFfiller

Betty Johnlouis 09/10/2019

Parent Signature___________________________________________________________________
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