CMSFAA Guitar Handbook 2025-2026

1
CMSFAA Classical Guitar Handbook
2025-2026

Saul Hernandez-Trejo, Classical Guitar Director

ernesto.hernandez-trejo@austinisd.org

Covington Middle School Fine Arts Academy

School Phone: (512) 414-3276 Guitar Classroom Extension: 51927

School Fax: (512) 892-4547
2
Introduction

We’re excited to welcome your child to the Covington MS Strings Program! As part of a competitive performing group, students are expected to follow specific guidelines that help us maintain a high standard of excellence.

Before completing this form, please visit and carefully review all program expectations listed at:
www.cmsstrings.org/guitar-information

Once you’ve reviewed the information, complete the sections below to confirm your understanding of the program requirements.

Thank you for your support. We’re looking forward to a great year of guitar!
3
Name of parent/guardian completing this form* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
4
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone Number* This field is required.
5
E-mail (parent/guardian completing this form)* This field is required.
example@example.com
6
Parent/Guardian #2 Name
First Name
Last Name
7
Parent/Guardian #2 Cell Phone Number
8
Parent/Guardian #2 Email
example@example.com
9
Student Name* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
10
Student email
example@example.com
11
Student AISD ID# (No S)* This field is required.
12
Student's Cell Phone Number (emergency use only/ in case student needs to be located during a trip)
13
By signing below, both the student and parent/guardian confirm they have reviewed the calendar and understand the attendance expectations.* This field is required.
Clear
14
For home practice: Nylon-string classical guitar, Footstool, electronic tuner/metronome, extra nylon strings, portable guitar stand

Daily classroom supplies: Black 3-ring binder, Mechanical pencils, Sheet protectors & zippered pouch, Nail file, Nail Clippers
Method Book: The Cornerstone Method for Classical Guitar: Grade 1 by Dr. Simon Powis (required for all students)

For assistance obtaining a home guitar or supplies, please promptly contact Mr. Hernandez-Trejo
15
I understand and agree that my child is required to have the listed supplies, including a nylon-string classical guitar for home practice, and will bring the specified classroom supplies daily. * This field is required.parent signature below
Clear
16
Performance Uniform Requirements

All guitar students are required to wear the following for every formal performance:

Solid black dress pants or skirt (with leggings)
Black collared shirt or Covington Strings performance shirt
Black dress shoes and black socks
Not permitted: Jeans, shorts, sandals, Crocs, sneakers, casual clothing items.

If your family requires assistance obtaining any uniform items, please promptly contact Mr. Hernandez-Trejo
17
I have reviewed and fully understand the Covington Guitar Program’s Performance Uniform Requirements. My child and I agree to follow these guidelines for all concerts and performances, and we understand that compliance impacts their participation and grade * This field is required.
Clear
18
Student and Parent/Guardian have reviewed and understand the following program guidelines: Student Contract, Concert Etiquette, Trip Guidelines, Grading Policy, Discipline Procedures, Social Media Expectations, and Classroom Expectations.* This field is required.By signing below, both student and parents confirm that they have read and agree to follow the expectations listed above.
Clear
19
STUDENT SIGNATURE As a Covington FAA Guitar member, I will act in accordance with the academic and behavior expectations stated in the Student Contract. These expectations have been set in place for my classroom success as well as the success of others in guitar class. (student signature below)* This field is required.
Clear
20
CutTime

CutTime is our all-in-one platform for communication, payments, and volunteer sign-ups. Parents/guardians will receive a sign-up text at the start of the school year.

Payments: Track and pay fees (fair share, instrument, fundraisers, trips)
Communication: Stay up to date with announcements and events
Volunteering: Sign up for opportunities to help throughout the year
21
Remind

In addition to CutTime, all students and parents/guardians must have at least one REMIND account.

REMIND is a free, secure messaging tool that Covington Strings uses to send important updates about rehearsals, events, socials, fundraisers, cancellations, and more.

Sign up instructions can be found on CMSStrings.org
22
Parent/Guardian has read, understands, and agrees to the communication information. Parent agrees to sign up for Remind and CutTime by 8/30/25 (required)* This field is required.
Clear
23
Emergency Contact #1 Name* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
24
Emergency Contact #1 Phone Number* This field is required.
25
Emergency Contact #2 Name* This field is required.
First Name
Last Name
26
Emergency Contact #2 Phone Number* This field is required.
27
Any allergies of student/special medical needs:
28
AISD GUITAR AGREEMENT & TRIP/MEDICAL FORM

I have read and understand the Guitar Handbook and agree to the stated requirements. I also give permission for my child to travel with the strings progam for all competitions, local events, and strings recreational trips during the school year. While my child is in attendance at these events, I understand that my child will follow all district, school, and strings policies. Failure to follow these policies will result in removal from the event/trip and possible loss of the privilege to attend future events/trips. Should my child be in need of medical attention during one of these events/trips, Mr. Hernandez and employees of AISD are authorized to seek proper medical attention for my child.
29
Parent/Guardian Signature for AISD Guitar Agreement & Trip/Medical Form:* This field is required.
Clear
30
Transportation Permit Info

We (I) are the parents (legal guardians) of student named above, a child enrolled in the Austin Independent School District.

We (I) hereby grant permission for the student named above to travel by a vehicle driven or operated by an employee of the School District acting within the scope of his or her duties, or gratuitously by individuals, or by an independent contractor. This transportation may be a privately owned vehicle or a privately owned chartered bus.

We (I) accept responsibility to determine that the transportation provided is safe and reasonable for the purposes intended. We (I) agree that the Austin Independent School District, its officers, trustees and employees are not negligent in their choice of the transportation and that we (I) have freely chosen the transportation provided herein.

We (I) understand that we have the option to provide our own transportation method.

We (I) hereby waive, release and discharge the Austin Independent School District, its trustees. officers and employees from any claim. demand or cause of action arising out of the transportation herein provided and agree to indemnify and save harmless the Austin Independent School District and its employees from all claims for loss, damage or injury sustained by us (me) or by our (my) child whether the same be caused by the negligence of the Austin Independent School District or its officers. agents. employees or otherwise.

(To be used for field trips. extracurricular activities and other events during which students travel in privately owned vehicles driven or operated by Austin Independent School District employees, other individuals. or independent contractors.)
31
Parent/Guardian Signature for Private Transportation Permit:* This field is required.
Clear
32
Talent Release Info

For my engagement as talent for the Austin Independent School District (hereinafter AISD), I hereby consent and without further consideration of compensation to the use (full or in part) of all videotape recordings taken of me and/or recordings made of my voice and/or written extraction, in whole or in part, of such recordings or performance for the purposes of illustration, broadcast, or distribution in any manner.

I hereby irrevocably agree that all videotape recordings of me used and taken by the AISD are owned by them they they may copyright material containing same.

Further, I acknowledge and agree to the terms as described below and hereby grant in perpetuity to the AISD:

A. The right and permission to copyright and use, or not use, in whole or in part, and/or to reuse by means of electronic and/or non-electronic media and to republish and distribute videotape recordings, photographs or recordings of my voice, including the event of unintentional distortion due to technical mishap, through any media by AISD at its studio or elsewhere, for any purpose whatsoever, including the use of printed material in conjunction therewith. I understand the materials are for non-commercial educational use.

B. I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished videotape, sound track, copy and/or printed material which may be used in conjunction therewith or approve the eventual use to which it may be applied.

C. On my own behalf, and on behalf of my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, I hereby release discharge and agree to save harmless AISD, its representatives, assigns, employees or any person or persons, acting under its permission or authority, or any person, persons, corporation or corporations for who AISD might be acting, including any firm publishing and/or distributing the finished product, its publication, distributions, or broadcast of same.

I hereby grant permission for my child’s photograph and classroom work to be published without his or her name on the AISD or Schools web site: I understand certain risks are associated with this activity. I hereby agree to assume any and all risks surrounding my child’s participation in this project and hereby release the Austin Independent School District, its Board of Trustees, its officers, the school’s employees, agents and volunteers in both their official and individual capacities from any and all liability, claims, or causes of action connected with my child’s photograph or classroom work being published on the teacher’s website.
33
I hereby certify that I am the parent and/or guardian of student (named above), a child under the age of eighteen years. I hereby consent that any videotape, photographs, or classroom work that have been, or are about to be made by AISD, may be used by AISD for the purpose set forth in the original release hereinabove.* This field is required.Sign talent release below
Clear
34
Interested in volunteering? Select areas of interest below, and we will reach out to you with more information about opportunities to get involved. (check all that apply)Volunteers, you are one of the most important parts of our program!
Volunteering at events like concerts and carnivals
Coordinating volunteers
Chaperoning student trips
Designing concert programs, signs, posters, or merchandise
Helping with merchandise inventory/ordering
Social media (Facebook/Instagram/Twitter/etc)
Taking photos or videos at events
Clerical work/data entry
Talking to local businesses about sponsorship, fundraising, or spirit nights
Event planning
Construction projects
Finances/bookkeeping
Decorating for events
Translating English/Spanish for documents, meetings, or events
Leading a committee
I want to join the Covington Strings Booster Organization (group meets monthly to plan events, fundraise, recruit volunteers, and support the guitar and orchestra programs)
I am a local business owner interested in sponsorship opportunities
I am a musician and I would like to perform at a fundraiser
Sign up for the "help as needed" Remind group by texting the code @sup4covstr to phone # 81010
35
Additional Notes or Ways You’d Like to Support the Program
36
Private Lessons (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Private lessons can help your child grow faster as a musician, especially if they are just starting out. Students who take lessons often advance more quickly and may earn a spot in Advanced Guitar or Honor Orchestra.

Lessons are typically scheduled:

- After school at Covington
- During class (when approved)
- Or on weekends at the instructor’s home/studio

Private lessons are strongly recommended for all 7th and 8th grade students in advanced ensembles.

Scholarships/financial aid may be available.
Lesson fees are paid directly to the instructor and may vary.
For a full list of teachers, visit: CMSStrings.org/private-lessons
37
Would you like more information about private lessons or help getting started? (Select “Yes” if you're interested in scheduling or want more details.)
Yes
No thanks!
38
Required Fees for All Guitar Students

Fair-Share Fee: $50
Supports your child’s performance shirt, books, judges, guest clinicians, All-City participation, region fees, transportation, incentives, classroom supplies, snacks, and equipment maintenance.

Instrument Checkout Fee: $30 (only if borrowing a school guitar for home use)

These fees help ensure all students have what they need to succeed.
39
How to Pay

Class fees are paid online via CutTime (link will be sent after handbook/forms are submitted)
Booster items (hoodies, merch, booster memberships, t-shirts) can be paid via:
Venmo: @CovingtonStrings
PayPal: covingtonsbo@gmail.com
Cash or Check (include student name and payment purpose; checks payable to “CMS Strings”)

Financial Assistance & Payment Flexibility
We never want cost to be a barrier. If you're unable to pay in full, contact Mr. Hernandez-Trejo by email, phone, or in person to request a payment plan or financial assistance. No student will be excluded due to financial need. If no effort is made to communicate, students may lose access to school instruments and/or be reassigned to a different class.
40
By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understand the Class Fees & Payments section.* This field is required.I agree to submit payment by August 30, 2025, or contact Mr. Hernandez-Trejo to request a payment plan or financial support.
Clear
Should be Empty: