Mesa Middle School Rattler Orchestra

7225 N Jornada Rd., Las Cruces, NM 88012

July 22, 2024

Dear 2024-2025 Mesa Rattler Orchestra students and parents,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Mr. Gomez, and I am the orchestra director
for Mesa Middle School. This handbook serves to inform you of my rules and expectations. This
handbook might not answer all questions you may have, so if you have more questions after
reading it, please contact me.

Please read through this handbook to see what I will expect of students and what you can expect
of me. At the end of the handbook there is a form for you to sign stating that you read and
understand what this handbook states. Please return the signed page by Wednesday, July 31,
2024.

Thank you and I look forward to a great year!

Abraham Gomez
MMS Orchestra Director
Agomez3@lcps.net

P.S.
Sign up for our Remind! Most communication and updates related to orchestra will be done
through email or the Remind app. Please text the code below that corresponds with your child’s
orchestra to 81010. Be sure to include the @ symbol.
• If your child is in beginning orchestra, text @rattlerbeg
• If your child is in intermediate orchestra, text @rattlerint
• If your child is in advanced orchestra, text @rattleradv
Introduction & Philosophy
The Mesa Middle School Rattler Orchestra provides students with an opportunity to grow as
musicians and individuals. Participating in a musical program is a fantastic way to develop
creativity and social skills. Through music, students develop creativity by learning how to
interpret music and perform it the way it may have been intended. Students develop social skills
through music by learning to understand certain gestures and cues that would provoke desired
responses.
Performing in an orchestra is a community effort. I believe that if everyone contributes,
regardless of their skill level, the orchestra will be better for it. If a student deliberately does not
participate or perform actions that would otherwise not benefit the orchestra, they are hurting the
“community” (orchestra). Every student should act in a way that benefits our orchestra. Students
should be supportive of their peer’s playing and help their peers when they make mistakes. Our
classroom should be a safe environment for students to learn.
Director Background
I come from El Paso, Texas, and after graduating from Silva Health Magnet High School, I made
my best effort to come to the Land of Enchantment. I attended New Mexico State University for
about five years, during which I was a double major for a short time in Music Education and
ICT.
I am a bassist and have been practicing both upright bass and electric bass for about 16 years. I
have participated in school orchestra, wind symphony, jazz band, and choir. In El Paso, I was in
the El Paso Youth Symphony and performed “Into the Woods” with the Sun City Musical
Theatre. During my studies at NMSU, I participated in the Aruba Symphony Festival where I
performed with musicians from around the world. Now, my musical contributions to the
community include my local band and whatever random opportunities come my way.
Starting in high school, I coached gymnastics (weird, right?) and worked for recreational gyms
as well as a gym on Ft. Bliss. During this time, I coached beginning teams, competitive teams,
and special needs classes. After moving to the Las Cruces, I accepted a teaching position at
Studio A-440 where I taught guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, drum set, and special needs students. I
also taught at the Boys and Girls Club of Las Cruces. Altogether I have had nearly 30 private
students and have taught private lessons for about five years.
I still teach at Studio A-440; however, after accepting the position of orchestra director at Mesa
Middle School, I have reduced my role at the studio to mainly teaching special needs students. I
am glad to say that I have been loving teaching at Mesa Middle School!
Course Descriptions
Beginning Orchestra: Mesa Middle School’s beginning orchestra course focuses on developing
the foundation of good musicianship and instrumental technique. The class moves at a pace that
allows students to create good foundations of new techniques introduced in the class. This allows
students to steadily progress on their instrument. Most of the repertoire that students work on in
beginning orchestra will come from our “Essential Elements” workbook. Students should be
performing at least grade 1 music by the end of the school year.
Intermediate Orchestra: Mesa Middle School’s intermediate orchestra course continues to
develop skills that were established in beginning orchestra. Intermediate orchestra will begin to
focus on repertoire rather than the “Essential Elements” workbook. Students will be expected to
perform at a higher standard. Intermediate Orchestra works to bridge the gap between the level
of beginner and advanced. Students should be performing at least grade 1.5 or 2 music.
Advanced Orchestra: Membership in the advanced orchestra means that students are excelling at
their instrument and/or have been playing for at least two years. The advanced orchestra’s aim is
to prepare students to perform in a high school orchestra. Tuning, rhythm, and tone will be
refined, as well as working on harder repertoire that works to challenge students. The behavioral
and performance standards are raised as this orchestra tends to be representative of the program.
Students should be performing at least grade 2 and beyond music.
Materials
 Pencil
 Binder for music or folder (this is super important!!!!!)
 Sheet protectors (a minimum of 10, this is for the binder/folder)
 Instrument and bow
 Shoulder Rest *
 Rock-stop *
 Rosin *
* (recommended but not required)
Rules and Expectations
I have three main rules that students are expected to follow:
1. Be Respectful – Be respectful to yourself, to other students, to your teacher, and to our
classroom and equipment. As your teacher, I will also be respectful to you.
2. Be Responsible – Take accountability for your actions and own up to mistakes. Mistakes
happen all the time, and we must take responsibility for what we do.
3. Be Ready – Be on time and ready to learn with all necessary supplies.
When students walk into the classroom, they should:
 Get their instrument ready and sit in their assigned seat.
o Students should also get out their music and a pencil.
 After everyone’s instrument is tuned, students need to be ready to participate. This means
having the required music on the stand and being seated. If a student is unsure what
 music we will be working on for the day, they can look at the board where our daily
agenda will be posted.
Consequences
The following is a sequence of actions that will be taken when rules are broken by the student.
Depending on the severity of the offense, steps 1, 2, or 3 may be skipped.
1. Verbal Warning
2. Lunch Detention and teacher conference with parent/legal guardian by phone, email, or in
person.
3. After school detention and teacher conference with parent/legal guardian by phone,
email, or in person.
4. Discipline Referral (write up)
If a student’s behavioral issues are consistent, I will not allow the student to participate in any
field trips or competitions that the orchestra may attend. If a student cannot be trusted to behave
themself in the classroom, the student certainly cannot be trusted to behave on a class trip. If a
student refuses to participate in class, their participation grade will suffer. If lack of participation
persists, the student will be recommended to leave orchestra.
Rewards
The following are possible rewards for good behavior from students:
 Verbal recognition
 Parental Notice
 Leadership roles within class
Grading Policy
I have worked on my grading policy in such a way that rewards all students if they participate in
class and performances (below are descriptions that go more into detail on this). I believe that
skill-based grading is not beneficial for all students, and instead, grading should rely on a
student’s effort and behavior. If a student does not perform well on their instrument but tries
their best, they will receive a passing grade.
 40% of the student’s grade will be based on performance. At performances, I expect that
students behave as instructed and per my rules. Failure to participate and behave properly
at a performance will result in the student losing points for that performance. Failure to
attend a performance will result in loss of points as well UNLESS I receive an email
from the student’s parent/guardian stating the student was not able to attend.
Additionally, the student will be required to do a make up essay for the
performance.
 60% of the student’s grade will be based on participation and effort. Performing in an
orchestra is a community effort. This means that students should participate and try their
best on a daily basis in class. Students will receive a weekly grade that has a maximum of
10 points. If a student is absent, their absence will not count against their weekly grade.

Instrument Rentals
Due to the number of students in the orchestra, it is highly recommended that you rent from
outside of the school (recommendations will be listed below). If you elect to rent an instrument
from the school, keep in mind that there is a $40 rental fee per semester ($80 per school year). In
addition to the fee, there will be a form that will need to be signed. Please keep in mind that the
price quotes below is what I was quoted over the phone. I am not a representative for any of the
businesses below so if they quote a different price when you go to them, I apologize.
 Studio A-440
o Recommended for advanced orchestra.
o $15-$20 a month.
o 221 N Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
o (575) 525-1367
 Mesilla Valley Pro Music
o Price dependent on quality of the instrument
o Rent-to-Own Options
o 919 N Valley Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88005
o (575) 526-8777
 White’s Music Box
o $15-$20 a month
o 200 S Main St, Las Cruces, NM 88001
o (800) 287-6679
 Robertson & Sons Violin Shop
o $15-$20 for violin and viola depending on size a month
o $35 for cellos a month
o 3201 Carlisle Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110
o If you are interested in this business, please reach out as I have a lot of
information from this business on email.
o (505) 889-2999
 Southwest String
o 1721 S Cherrybell Stra, Tucson, AZ 85713
o (800) 528-3430
Private Lessons & Tutoring
If you are interested in your student receiving private lessons, feel free to reach out to me so I
may point you in the right direction. As of now, I can definitely recommend Studio A-440 as
they currently have a designated violin private teacher. Their information is listed above in the
“Instrument Rental” section under Studio A-440.

I will offer tutoring to students who are interested or need extra help. Tutoring will occur
Thursdays after school in the orchestra room from 3:55 PM – 4:55 PM. If your student is
interested in receiving tutoring with me they can sign up for tutoring. Wednesday afternoon
(the day before a tutoring session) is the deadline for signing up. If no students sign up for
tutoring by that time I will not stay after school for that Thursday.
Upcoming Dates
Please bear in mind as you look at the dates below that these dates are subject to change
depending on unforeseen situations that may occur throughout the school year. If I need to make
a change for whatever reason, I will be sure to do it as soon as possible. This list does not
reflect any after school rehearsals that may be added. I will add those rehearsals at least
two weeks in advanced and notify parents via email/remind.
 September 19
o Intermediate & Advanced ONLY Fall Concert at 6:00 PM
o Student report time 5:00 PM
o Concert in the Mesa Middle School Gym
 October 17
o Beginner ONLY Fall Concert @ 6:30 PM
o Student report time 5:30 PM
o Concert in Mesa Middle School Gym
 Regional Honor Orchestra (optional)
o Intermediate & Advanced ONLY
o Registration deadline: September 6
o Audition date: September 13
o Mandatory Sectionals: October 21 and 28 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
o Mandatory Rehearsals: November 6 and 7 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
o Rehearsals and Concert November 8 and 9
 December 10
o ALL ORCHESTRAS Winter Concert @ 7:00 PM
o Student report time 6:00 PM
o Concert in the Organ Mountain Performing Arts Center
 February 22: Orchestra Solo & Ensemble. Details TBA *
 April 10:
o Intermediate & Advanced ONLY Pre-MPA Concert at the Organ Mountain
Performing Arts Center. Details TBA
 April 29: Orchestra MPA. Details TBA.
 May 7: Beginning Orchestra MPA. Details TBA.
 May 22: Final Concert. Details TBA.

* This event is an optional city-wide event but highly recommended as these events allow for
students to grow as musicians. Information to be provided as the event gets closer.
 Mesa Middle School Orchestra Program

2024-2025 Information Form & Contract

Please fill out the following sections and return to Mr. Gomez by Wednesday, July 31st!

Student Name: ___________________________________________ Class Pd: ______________

Parent/Guardian Name(s):
_______________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Preferred Phone #: ______________________________ Home Cell Work

Parent Email:
_________________________________________________________________________

Notification Preference (circle one): Email Paper Copy

We, both parent and student, have read and understand the content of the Informational
Handbook, which includes our class rules & procedures, discipline policy, grading policy,
mandatory performances, and other important information regarding the Mesa Middle School
Orchestra Program for the 2024-2025 school year. I also understand that additional information
will be distributed throughout the year, as needed.

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Parent Volunteer:

Please list any special talents, services, or items to donate that you are willing to provide for the
orchestra program:
_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Check one:

_____ I have a current Volunteer Packet completed through LCPS Central Office or am currently
employed by LCPS.

_____ I DO NOT have a current Volunteer Packet completed through LCPS Central Office.