Grading Policy
- 30% Ensemble Rehearsal/Performance Participation/Extra Help Attendance
- 30% Homework/Individual Practice & Smart Music assignments
- 30% In-class assessment and assignments
- 10% Lesson Participation/Assignments
What does it mean?
30% Ensemble Rehearsal/Performance Skill Development/Extra Help Attendance
Each student will receive a weekly rehearsal skills development grade based on the following:
30% Homework/Individual Practice & Smart Music assignments
Students will be assessed on the consistency of Homework/Individual Practice.
Grading is based on bi-weekly completion of assignments. Students will be assigned one or more excerpts, from method books/band music, to practice AND perform with the SmartMusic software. Each excerpt will have specific grading criteria. Students may submit any assignment for a grade of C or higher. Students may continue to submit/resubmit assignments, until the end of the marking period, to earn a grade they are happy with.
All excerpts will be discussed/practiced during lesson cycle. Students will then have one week to practice outside of class. The following week each student will receive 5-8 minutes, during class, to complete the assignment using our SmartMusic software. After that time allotment any other recording will need to be done outside of class time. This engenders the constructive process of practice, and will help nurture a good developing ensemble.
30% In-class assessment and assignments
10% Lesson Participation/Assignments
Final Exam
The final exam will be in two parts, one written/discussion exam and one playing exam.
Each student will receive a weekly rehearsal skills development grade based on the following:
- Preparedness with appropriate class materials (instrument, music, pencil, etc.)
- Maintaining an atmosphere of respect and cooperation
- Being actively engaged in the activities of class (performing, listening)
- Participation at periodic extra help sessions (as needed)
30% Homework/Individual Practice & Smart Music assignments
Students will be assessed on the consistency of Homework/Individual Practice.
Grading is based on bi-weekly completion of assignments. Students will be assigned one or more excerpts, from method books/band music, to practice AND perform with the SmartMusic software. Each excerpt will have specific grading criteria. Students may submit any assignment for a grade of C or higher. Students may continue to submit/resubmit assignments, until the end of the marking period, to earn a grade they are happy with.
All excerpts will be discussed/practiced during lesson cycle. Students will then have one week to practice outside of class. The following week each student will receive 5-8 minutes, during class, to complete the assignment using our SmartMusic software. After that time allotment any other recording will need to be done outside of class time. This engenders the constructive process of practice, and will help nurture a good developing ensemble.
30% In-class assessment and assignments
- Students will be assessed, in class, on a regular basis through performance quizzes, written quizzes and in-class assignments, and class discussion.
- Students will receive study guides to enhance the learning experience.
- Study guides are used for in depth study of one or two pieces/topics each marking period.
- Students will participate in class discussion, outside reading and research, and writing assignments to enhance their knowledge of music history, theory, style, and terminology.
10% Lesson Participation/Assignments
- Students will participate in a group lesson once every 2 school cycles.
- Lessons will cover instrument specific performance techniques as well as ensemble performing skills.
- At each lesson students will be assigned one or more excerpts, from method books/band music, to practice AND perform with the SmartMusic software.
Final Exam
The final exam will be in two parts, one written/discussion exam and one playing exam.