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GRADING POLICY |
Class Participation (25%): Students should always come to class
prepared. It is the student’s responsibility to have the necessary materials
for class (see previous page). Each student earns a participation grade.
Each time the student does not have all materials for class, he will lose
points from this grade. If appropriate behavior is not displayed in class,
then the student will not be allowed to participate and lose points off this
grade. Appropriate behavior is expected and is an important part of being
in the band program. Inspections: Instruments will be periodically checked
to make sure they are in proper playing condition and are being cleaned.
Accessories, such as reeds and other materials will be checked as well. (This
will be included as part of their daily grade).
Playing tests and written tests (25%): Every student will be asked
to play assigned scales, music and other exercises. Students will be graded
on everything they have learned up to that point including: posture, hand
position, correct notes and rhythms, timing, technique, intonation, and tone.
In addition, students will be occasionally given written tests based on class
topics. If a student is absent and misses a test, he or she will be given
a reasonable amount of time to make the test up based upon the length of
their absence. It is however, the student’s responsibility to schedule make-up
tests either during class, or before or after school.
Pass-offs: Students must pass-off assigned scales, rhythm studies, exercises
and concert music. Students will be notified which material must be passed-off
for that nine weeks and will have until the end of that nine week grading
period to complete the pass-offs. This may be accomplished during designated
class time or at a designated time before or after school.
Homework = Practicing (25%): Students are required to practice
2 ½ hours a week. The students will be given a practice record calendar that
will help them keep up with the number of minutes that they have practiced
in a week. Every week they MUST be turned in WITH A PARENT SIGNATURE. Parents
should hear/see your child practicing at home. Improvement and progress will
be directly proportional to how much time and effort goes into at-home practice,
or homework. The practice record will be graded accordingly by the number
of minutes practiced.
Performances (25%) = Band is a performance-based class. Assessment
of the students’ learning is based mostly on the results of the performance
in class and at concerts. This is one of the most important aspects and grade
of any performing art class. Each student’s attendance is mandatory at every
performance.
Promotion to next level
In order to be recommended to the next grade-level band class, student must meet the following requirements: