Week of 11/3--11/7/2008



Guitar class fees are now due. Email me or call me if you need an extension or to set up a payment schedule.



All guitar students will need their guitar folders this week. It will be counted as a test grade.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!



BEGINNERS should be practicing every day. We finishing up on the 3rd string notes with songs like; "Aura Lee", "Au Claire de la Lune" and "Good King Wenceslas".  Parents.....please check your child's folder to see their test grades and music. All of their current test grades are in their folder on a "PLAYING TEST FORM" along with comments as to what to work on and how to improve.   Folders will be checked daily.



INTERMEDIATES should be practicing every day. Students have been testing on their music. If they are practicing at home, they are doing fine. Our current focus is on rhythm and how to interpret rhythmic notation with their performing groups. Their current grades are in their folders.  Folders will be checked daily.



ADVANCED guitarists did a great job on the Winter Ensemble Concert. Certain students will be performing for Magnet Awareness Week in the Auditorium for prospective parents. We are also performing Friday morning, 12/12 for Donuts for Dads in the cafeteria. On the week of 12/15-12/19, students will be going on magnet recruitment tours to various elementary schools throughout the day. Students will be responsible for any work missed from their academic classes.  

Students MUST be practicing their parts at home. Folders will be checked daily.







PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!

PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!PRACTICE!









F.A.Q.’S



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT THE JMS GUITAR PROGRAM



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Q. What are the fees associated with the guitar program?



A. A student using a school rental guitar at home will pay $60.00 for class fee and rental. A student using his/her own instrument at home only pays $30.00 for class fee.





Q. What does the class fee cover?



A. The class fee covers repairs and maintenance for the guitars that belong to JMS. This includes strings, parts, damage repairs and replacement guitars. It also covers the cost of class supplies.





Q. What are the top three classroom rules?



A. 1. Be on time

2. Have your folder with all of the music assignments

3. No talking or playing guitars while I am giving instruction





Q. Do you give homework assignments?



A. Yes, each student is required to practice the current lesson or song for 15-20 minutes each day (Including weekends).





Q. How do you test your students?



A. Students are asked to play the assigned music, either in a small group or individually. They are graded on their ability to play the assignments or song using correct rhythm, fingering and technique.







ONLINE GUITAR TUNER:

http://www.gieson.com/Library/projects/utilities/tuner/



**** Students must practice at home in order to keep up with classwork. Students have a tendency to “play around” with the guitar and not practice. Students should practice WHAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO PRACTICE at home for at least 5 minutes a day. (15 minutes for intermediate and advanced)



*** Students must keep a folder (black 1” binder) for guitar music. This folder must be in class with them on guitar class days. The folder must then go home in order to practice what was taught. Points will be deducted from their grades for not having a folder in class. Grade sheets will also be kept in the folders with their current 9 weeks test scores. EVERYBODY must have a folder with EVERYTHING in it EVERYDAY.



*** Please be aware that if your child does not attend a concert or other required event and prior arrangements have not been made with the teacher, the entire group may suffer. Consequently, a portion of your child’s grade is based on concert attendance and behavior. In general only illness of the student or death in the immediate family of the student will be considered as grounds for missing a performance. A STUDENT MAY RECEIVE A FAILING GRADE FOR NOT SHOWING UP FOR A PERFORMANCE.



Johnston Middle School 713-726-3616 (main number)

713-726-3666 (orchestra, next door to guitar)

rguinea@houstonisd.org (e-mail)



PARENTS……PLEASE ASK YOUR KIDS TO PLAY FOR YOU. YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED.