2025-2026 Welcome to MAS Orchestra Magnet!
Mr. Daniel Yucra and Mr. Matthew Sheary, Directors
Welcome to the Miami Arts Studio Orchestra Magnet Program! We are so happy to welcome you back, some of you for the very first time! In this packet, you can review the expectations and commitment we expect from every student in MAS Orchestra, so please keep this as a reference throughout the school year in case you have any questions.
Communication
Email and scheduled conferences are the only official communication avenues for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and MAS Orchestra. Text messages, Band App messages, any other messenger apps, and unscheduled meetings are not official forms of communication and may not be responded to. Emails will be responded to within three school days. If you have not received a response, please resend your email because it may not have been received. To request a scheduled conference, send an email to Mr. Yucra (yucrad@dadeschools.net) or Mr. Sheary (msheary@dadeschools.net), and we will respond with availability options.
Students are required to check their school email daily for class updates and assignments. Students can access their school email through their student portal.
Behavior and Participation Expectations
Orchestra Magnet students are expected to treat each other, all adults, instruments, and property with respect at all times. Behavior expectations during performances and classes are similar, as class time is used to practice excellent concert behavior and participation. Any issues with behavior or participation will be addressed immediately, and a parent, counselor, or administrator will be contacted as needed. All orchestra magnet students are required to adhere to the MDCPS Student Code of Conduct as well as the rules set forth by the administration of Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer. School rules infractions will result in consequences that may include being exited from Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer.
Magnet Contract Compliance
All MAS Orchestra students are required to adhere to the requirements set forth in the Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer magnet contract. Students who do not meet the requirements of the magnet contract are subject to consequences that may include being exited from Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer.
Materials in Class and Appropriate Fingernail Length
Students are expected to come to class daily, ready to learn and rehearse. Students who do not have their instruments and/or required materials in class will receive a Z grade for each day they are out of compliance. Students who do not have the appropriate fingernail length for playing their instrument will receive a Z grade for each day they are out of compliance. Students who have instruments in repair must have a parent email Mr. Yucra and/or Mr. Sheary to explain the repair needed and the expected completion date. If the repair will take more than two school days, the parent must request a loaner instrument from the repair shop or from us, if available.
Instrument Expectations
It is required that all students own or rent a personal string instrument and bring it to class daily. It is to the benefit of every student to use their personal instrument at school and home, as changing instruments can negatively impact technique, tone, and intonation. Instruments should be strung with high-quality strings. Bows should be re-haired at least once every year. In their cases, students should have a shoulder rest (violins/violas) or rock stop (cellos/basses), rosin, a rosin rag, nail clippers, and at least one complete set of extra strings at all times. A limited number of school cellos and basses are available for loan for those students who do not yet have personal instruments and/or who cannot transport their instrument to and from their home. Students who use a school bass are required to transport their own bow in a bow case daily to and from school. Students cannot leave personal instruments in the orchestra room overnight! The school does not assume responsibility for any instruments left overnight or over the weekend. Please make sure that your child takes their personal instrument home daily. Students will receive a "Z" if their instrument is left at school overnight. If the problem persists, detentions can be assigned as well.
Instrument Care Expectations
All students are responsible for the care of any school instrument assigned to them. If damage occurs to their assigned school instrument at home or at school, the student is financially responsible to repair or replace the instrument immediately. Normal wear and tear on school instruments is the responsibility of the program, however, damage caused by a student’s negligence is the responsibility of the student and the family. Think of your instrument like a new born baby. Do not leave it unattended in a car, do not leave it in direct sunlight, do not leave it where it can get wet, do not leave it where it can get stepped or tripped on, do not leave it where something can fall on it. If you do not have experience handling bowed string instruments, please do not try to tune your child’s instrument! You will more than likely break the string or drop the bridge. If this happens, you will be responsible for the repair. Instrument repair and replacement ranges from $30.00 to $10,000 depending on the instrument and the repair/replacement needed and are solely the responsibility of the parent. A quote from 2 MDCPS approved vendors/luthiers will be obtained and the responsible adult will pay the lower of the two prices.
Performance Guidelines
All orchestra magnet performances are MANDATORY! Missing a performance is an automatic probation or magnet dismissal offense. All performances are worth a minimum of six grades. They are as follows: punctuality, uniform, overall behavior, and string participation. Punctuality and uniform grades are A or F grades. All students are to arrive in their required uniform and report to designated area on or before their call time. One minute past call time is late, and therefore an automatic Z grade for punctuality, so please make sure that your child is always on time. Also, if a child arrives to a performance without the exact uniform required, they will earn an F grade for uniform and may be excluded from the performance.
Performance Expectations
Orchestra Magnet students are expected to put forth their very best effort and energy in learning all the components of orchestra magnet. In order for a student to perform with their peers, each student must pass a playing test on each piece of the upcoming concert. If there is a piece where a student is not performing at the appropriate level, a warning notice will be sent home. If the student does not show adequate progress by the second playing test, they will be excluded from that piece during the performance. Any student who does not pass a piece of the performance test is still required to attend the performance at the call time in their performance uniform, as there are many pieces in a performance and they could still participate in some part of the concert. If they do not attend the performance, they will be placed on automatic probation.
Attendance Requirements
Students are required to attend all school day rehearsals and any required after school rehearsals. Students who need to miss a school day rehearsal or required after school rehearsal are required to request an excused absence from their orchestra director before the scheduled absence. Students who do not notify their affected magnet orchestra teacher before their absence will receive a Z grade for the rehearsal missed. Students who miss school day rehearsals or required after school rehearsals due to emergency or illness are required to have a parent or guardian submit a request for an excused absence to the affected magnet orchestra teacher before the scheduled absence.
Additionally, all orchestra magnet students are required to adhere to the attendance and tardy policy of Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer. Students who have excessive absences and tardies will be subject to consequences including lunch detention, restriction from field trips and activities, and possible removal from Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer.
MAS Orchestra Field Trip Policy - Read carefully
Eligibility:
To be eligible to attend any field trip, students must remain in good attendance, academic, and disciplinary standing in all classes at MAS 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer. Administration will review all student standings two weeks prior to the event to make sure that all participating students are in good standing. Students who do not meet eligibility requirements may be removed from the trip and will forfeit any payments made.
Student Code of Conduct:
All students are required to follow the MDCPS Student Code of Conduct for the duration of all field trips. Infractions will be reported to the school administration and can result in consequences including removal from Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer.
Field Trip Forms:
Field trip forms are required to be completed, signed, and turned in on time. Parents must complete emergency contact information and sign in both parent signature locations for field trip forms to be accepted. Students without complete and signed field trip forms are not allowed to participate in the trip and will forfeit any fees paid.
Costs and Payments:
All fees for field trips are non-refundable (no matter the situation, including a positive COVID-19 diagnosis).
Any student who does not participate in the trip will forfeit all payments made.
All fees must be paid on time according to the payment schedule.
If final payment is not made by the due date the students will not be able to attend the trip and payments made will be forfeited.
Itinerary and Transportation:
Students must participate for the duration of the field trip as outlined in the itinerary.
Students must travel via the approved transportation to and from this field trip as indicated on their field trip form.
Alternate arrival and dismissal times, locations, and/or transportation must be approved, in writing, by the school administration a minimum of 15 school days prior to the start of the field trip or before transportation is no longer refundable, whichever date is earlier. Students who drive to school may be given permission from MAS administration to drive to a field trip if requested, however, student drivers are not allowed to transport any other student as that is against MDCPS policy.
Medication:
Students requiring any over the counter or prescribed medication while on a field trip must contact Assistant Principal, Mrs. Patricia Fleri, via email a minimum of 15 school days before the trip. The email should explain the medication needed to ensure that proper MDCPS procedures are followed.
Illness During Field Trip:
Should a student become ill while on a field trip their parent/guardian is responsible to make arrangements to pick up the student in a timely manner.
Performance Uniforms - REQUIRED
All students are required to have the assigned concert uniform no later than October 10th (this date is earlier for Level 6 students). Returning students must try on their concert uniform to make sure that it still fits before this date! Uniforms purchased will all need to have professional altering done. Returning students must try on their uniforms to ensure that they still fit prior to September 1st.
Students who do not arrive in their complete and correct uniform for required performances and events will receive an F grade and may not be eligible to participate in the event or performance, resulting in additional F grades.
Boys: Full Classic Tuxedo (black jacket, white tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo pants, black bow tie and black cummerbund), black dress socks, and black dress shoes.
https://sepapparel.com/full-tuxedo-ensemble-with-bow-tie-cummerbund.html
Girls: Arietta dress and shrug with black hose and black shoes. Long hair tied back. No jewelry. You must purchase the dress through Southeastern Concert Apparel
Dress: https://sepapparel.com/arietta-concert-choir-dress.html
Shrug: https://sepapparel.com/crepe-shrug-ladies-concert-choir.html
Ladies Tux: https://sepapparel.com/ladies/ladies-ensembles/tuxedo-ensemble.html
Parents must measure and purchase the required uniform for their child.
Dresses will need to be hemmed to be ankle length once they are received.
You must order them by September 1st to guarantee they will arrive and be ready by our first performance.
Measurement directions and help can be found at:
https://sepapparel.com/how-to-measure-sizing-resources
MAS Orchestra Field Trip Uniform - REQUIRED
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Students must have their complete uniform by September 30th
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Students not in the correct uniform on the field trip day are not allowed to participate in the field trip and will receive F grades for uniform and participation grades
Students:
MAS Orchestra Activity Shirt (black/blue/pink) tucked in
Black dress pants (These should not be tight pants! They should have a straight or slightly tapered leg from the thigh to the ankle. If you are unsure, please ask before purchasing.)
Black belt
Black skirt that is below the knee
Black dress socks (for dress pants)
Black (solid black) loafers or dress shoes; sneakers only when specified – no heels or sandals
Absolutely no jeans, joggers, yoga pants, tights, etc. (not even black ones) will be permitted
Chaperones:
MAS Orchestra Activity Shirt (black/blue/pink)
Assignments and Grades
Solo/Etude Tests: Students will be assigned solos and etudes every nine weeks. If they play their solo with an 85% "B" or higher grade according to the rubric, the solo will be passed and added to their card. Solos and etudes are generally worth at least 50% of their Instrumental Techniques grade. To move orchestra levels, students must pass each solo with a minimum 85% "B".
Scales Test: Students in levels 2-5 will have various scales assigned each nine weeks. If they play their scales and earn at least an 85% "B" grade, it will be added to their complete list which will add to their progress towards their next orchestra level.
Playing Tests: Students will be assigned specific sections of their music and/or exercises from their Essential Elements or Sound Innovations book. Grades for their performance will be given based on the rubric.
Section Quizzes: For these grades, students will perform a piece or section of a piece with their section. Grades will be given based on the rubric for their individual performance.
Rehearsal Participation: This is a weekly grade that will include behavior, preparation, and having their instrument.
Projects: Any projects assigned will be given at the beginning of the nine weeks along with directions, due date, and a rubric for grading. Projects can include music history, music appreciation, and current music events and performers.
Music Theory: Students will have music theory assigned, written and/or online, as new concepts are taught.
Sight Reading Factory: All orchestra students will have subscriptions to Sight Reading Factory. Students are required to complete assignments as scheduled by their orchestra teacher.
Performance: 8 grades minimum: Punctuality, Uniform, Participation, and Performance. Please see “Performance Expectations” for details.
Extra Credit:
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Community Performance (audience member). Every magnet student is eligible to earn two extra credit grades per nine weeks by attending a community performance as an audience member. To earn extra credit, please have your child submit the program or tickets to the event and complete a one page summary of their experience as an audience member.
MANDATORY Home Learning:
Orchestra students are required to practice their string instrument at home. Individual home practice is vital to students progressing at an appropriate pace on their instrument. Violin and viola students should always stand to practice as sitting during practice creates poor posture habits.
Orchestra Level 1: 30 minutes/5 days a week
Orchestra Level 2: 45 minutes/5 days a week
Orchestra Level 3: 60 minutes/5 days a week
Orchestra Level 4: 60+ minutes/5 days a week
Orchestra Level 5: 75+ minutes/5 days a week
Orchestra Level 6: 90+ minutes/5 days a week
Required after school rehearsals: On rare occasion there will be mandatory after school rehearsals. Parents will be given a minimum of one week notice for mandatory after school rehearsals. If you have a conflict and your child cannot participate in the required rehearsal, you must provide a written explanation and it will have to be approved by school administration. Please be reminded that there is no supervision for students after the listed dismissal time. Parents are required to pick up their children on time.
Letterman Jacket Eligibility: Orchestra Magnet
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Student must have been in the high school orchestra program for a minimum of 2 school years
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Student must be a current Junior to be eligible
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Student must currently be in level 5 or 6 orchestra
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Minimum of 3.5 GPA in orchestra magnet classes
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Minimum of 2.5 GPA overall
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Minimum of 1 rating of Superior in FOA solo or ensemble during high school years of a piece in Suzuki Book 4 or higher difficulty as determined by Mr. Yucra or Mr. Sheary.
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Minimum of 1 audition, selection, and participation to a district, state, or national honors orchestra (MDCPS Honors, FOA All-State, FLASTA Honors, YOLA, NYO/NYO2, NWS Side-by-Side, Music for All, etc.)
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Minimum of 25 hours of community service in music/music education
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Participation in all required MAS Orchestra performances and activities
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Forms submitted to Ms. Yucra when completed
Mr. Yucra confirms letterman jacket requirements are met in August, December, and May of each school year. Students are responsible for providing required evidence of completion of requirements to Mr. Yucra. Students who have met the requirements have their names sent to Mrs. Demoya, the activities director. After Mr. Yucra has posted eligible juniors and seniors, all sales requests and concerns should be addressed through Mrs. Demoya. She can be reached at sdemoya@dadeschools.net
MDCPS Volunteer Procedures (Chaperones)
All parents interested in chaperoning day and/or overnight field trips MUST have an active MDCPS volunteer ID assigned to Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer no later than October 15th .
Please be reminded that all MDCPS volunteers have to be reactivated each school year!
Log on to or create your parent/community member portal
Click on the Apps|Services|Sites tab
Click on Become a Volunteer
Put in your information
Select Day Chaperone and Music Class
Select 6052 Miami Arts Studio @ Zelda Glazer
You are allowed to select more than one school if you want to volunteer at more than one school
If you are planning on being a chaperone for overnight trips, select Overnight Chaperone to become a Level 2 volunteer
Print out the letter that they provide
Take the letter to the school to have it signed by the principal
Call the phone number to make a fingerprinting appointment
Complete your finger prints
The final step for all volunteers is to go to the main office and present your valid ID. You will not be an active volunteer until this step is completed!
This process must be completed annually. The year restarts July 1st.
MAS Orchestra Levels
Level Jumping: Students can jump one level by auditioning for either Mr. Sheary (violin/viola) or Mr. Yucra (cello/bass).
Level 1: Students in this level will review and complete Essential Elements books 1 and learn all pieces in Suzuki book 1. Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the ES/DS level (Grade 1 to 2.5). All students in this level are required to participate in FOA Solo and Ensembles. On average, students are expected to be in Orchestra Level 1 for one school year. To advance to Level 2, students must successfully complete all book 1 playing tests, perform most of the 7/8 All-State two-octave scales, and perform SRF Grade 3 level sight reading excerpts in the keys of C, D, G.
Level 2: Students in this level will complete Essential Elements book 2 and learn all pieces in Suzuki book 2. Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the ES/DS level (Grade 1 to 2.5). On average, students are expected to be in Orchestra Level 2 for one school year. All students in this level are required to participate in FOA Solo and Ensembles and middle school students are encouraged to audition for MDCPS Honors Orchestra. To advance to Level 3, students must successfully complete all book 2 playing tests, perform all the 7/8 All-State two-octave scales, demonstrate vibrato and shifting, and perform SRF Grade 3 sight reading excerpts in the keys of C, D, G, and F.
Level 3: Students in this level will complete Essential Elements book 3 and learn all pieces in Suzuki book 3 and some of book 4. Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the DS/CS level (Grade 2.5 to 3). On average, students are expected to be in Orchestra Level 3 for one school year. All students in this level are required to participate in FOA Solo and Ensembles. Middle school students in this level are required to audition for MDCPS Honors Orchestra. To advance to Level 4, students must successfully complete all book 3 playing tests, perform all the 7/8 All-State Scales at reasonable minimum tempos, demonstrate vibrato and shifting, and perform SRF Grade 4 sight reading excerpts in the keys of C, D, G, F, A, and Bb.
Level 4: Students in this level will complete Essential Elements book 3 and learn all pieces in Suzuki book 4 and 5. Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the CS level (Grade 3 to 4). On average, students are expected to be in Orchestra Level 4 for one school year. All students in this level are required to participate in FOA Solo and Ensembles. Middle school students in this level are required to audition for MDCPS Honors Orchestra. To advance to Level 5, students must successfully complete Level 5 Instrumental Techniques class as well as complete and pass the Level 5 audition. Students should also be able to perform all the 9-10 All-State Scales at reasonable minimum tempos, demonstrate vibrato and shifting, and perform SRF Grade 5 sight reading excerpts in the keys of C, D, G, F, and Bb.
Level 5: Students in this level will complete the Advanced Techniques from Essential Elements. Students will also learn all pieces in Suzuki book 5 their first year, and book 6 their second year. Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the BS level (Grade 4 to 5). On average, students are expected to be in Orchestra Level 4 for 1-2 school years. All students in this level are required to participate in FOA Solo and Ensembles. All students in this level are required to audition for MDCPS Honors Orchestra. To advance to Level 6 students must complete all requirements as assigned in their instrumental techniques class as well as complete and pass the Level 6 audition. Students should also be able to perform all the 9-10 All-State Scales at reasonable minimum tempos, demonstrate vibrato and shifting, and perform SRF Grade 5 sight reading excerpts in the keys of C, D, G, F, A, Bb, and Eb.
Level 6: Students will perform selections from the Florida Orchestra Association lists at the AS level (Grade 5+). Level 6 is the main performing orchestra for Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer. Level 6 Orchestra should be considered the same intensity and commitment as an AP Class. As a result, Level 6 students are required to abide by additional rules as outlined in the Level 6 Contract below:
Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer
Level 6 Orchestra Contract
Students who are in Level 6 orchestra are required to:
· Have appropriate school attendance and punctuality.
· Maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
· Prioritize all Level 6 activities above any other commitments, including clubs.
· Demonstrate that they can accept and manage direct and group criticism.
· Learn parts independently at home so they are ready for rehearsal.
· Attend all rehearsals during school and after school hours as required by Mr. Yucra.
· Attend all performances during school and after school hours as required by Mr. Yucra.
· Attend all required field trips and outside performances.
· Ask for permission from Mr. Yucra, in an email, to be excused from any class, rehearsal, or performance at least 30 days in advance, unless it is a medical or family emergency, which should be notified as soon as possible.
· Audition for MDCPS HS Honors Orchestra.
· Participate in District solo and ensembles.
· Participate in District and State Concert Music Performance Assessments.
· Arrive and be picked up/signed out from all events on time.
· Either own a high-quality instrument and bow or rent a high-quality instrument and bow from the booster. Rental is $250 per year, due in full the first week of school.
· Have bows re-haired every summer... we recommend Joe Dachuna (305) 270-3172 or Miami String Haus (786) 322-6891
· Have high-quality strings on your instrument and a replacement set in your case at all times
· Complete a minimum of 90 minutes of independent practice at least 5 days a week. New students to level 6 will likely have to practice between 90 and 120 minutes, 5 days a week, to maintain the level and pace of the class.
· Demonstrate an understanding of teamwork and appropriate behavior to be a supportive member of the team.
· Be respectful of Level 6 Orchestra, Orchestra Magnet, and the Orchestra Magnet teachers at all times.
· Represent MAS Orchestra and Miami Arts Studio 6-12 @ Zelda Glazer at the highest level in both behavior and performance at all times.
Students who are in Level 6 orchestra will be reviewed at the end of the school year to determine their invitation to return to Level 6 orchestra for the following school year. Students who do not meet the requirements above will be removed from Level 6 orchestra. Students removed from Level 6 will have to re-audition for the orchestra and will not be able to return for at least one full school year.