Grading and Attendance Policy

Grading

In a nutshell, to get an "A," come to all the sectionals, full band rehearsals, and performances and show evidence that you've practiced by completing the practice chart each week.There are Six types of grades as follows:

1. A grade is given every week for each Sectional Rehearsal based on the following four-point scale:

• Attendance = one point for being there
• Participation = one point for having your instrument and playing
• Effort = one point for listening, trying, learning, and not using the word "can't"
• Improvement = one point for being better than you were last rehearsal
  

• 4 points = A; 3 points = B; 2 points = C; 1 point = D; Unexcused absence = 0 points
• You are evaluated based on your own improvement and success, not on a comparison to other students' abilities.

2. A grade will be given every week for a completed practice chart.

• See my rationale for the importance of a practice chart as a tool for 21st Century Learning.
• These practice charts are to be turned in on a weekly basis, even if the sectional rehearsal is cancelled or not held for whatever reason.

3. A grade is given for each Full Band Rehearsal based on the following scale:

• Attendance = 0.25 point; attendance IS taken every day
• Participation = 0.25 point
• Preparedness = 0.25 point (having own instrument and music)
• Effort = 0.25 point

• These will be added together, and given for each Full Band Rehearsals the student is supposed to attend*, and recorded as a grade each day.
• 1 point = A; Excused absences = N/A (no weight shall be given); Unexcused absence = 0 points

* Full band will be everyday for all students; except those participating in Choir, who will come on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Also, some students participate in Math Field Day, etc. These students will also come on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday unless otherwise designated by both me and the respective teacher.

4. A performance is the finished product of both sectional and full band rehearsals, and is therefore considered a test. A grade is given based on the following scale:

• Attendance = one point
• Participation = one point for having instrument and playing
• Preparedness = one point for having own instrument and music as well as wearing proper performance attire for the occasion**.
• Conduct = one point for properly representing your school/community. (Misconduct includes breaking any rule, displaying bad character or poor behavior.)

• 4 points = A; 3 points = B; 2 points = C; 1 point = D; Unexcused absence = 0 points
• A performance is so important to attend that it will be equivilant to four regular grades a missed performance will potentially lower your total band grade by a full letter for that grading period.

** please refer to the proper attire for the performance to make sure you are in full uniform.

summer uniform concert attire

5. An occasional playing test may be given during a sectional rehearsal. This will be recorded based on the appropriate rubric for the test and count as one normal grade for each test.

• Playing Test Rubric (not available yet)
• Memorization Test Rubric

6. Students will reply to/comment on a weekly post on the band forum. A reasonable-length reply will earn a normal grade per post based on the following scale:

• Answers the question = one point
• Answer contains insight and/or expresses thoughtful consideration = one point
• Replies by due date = two points
  
• Point deducted for each week late.

Attendance

The importance of attendance is pretty much explained in the grading policy. Band is an ensemble, a group that works together for a single purpose. The emphasis is on working together; and like a team who needs all of its players in order to succeed on the field, court, etc., the band needs each individual to participate to make it sound the best it possibly can. Even with one person missing, the band cannot reach its full potential. My goal is to see each member of the ensemble succeed. My reward is in your success, and I am dedicated to that commitment. I don't expect band to be your life; but you have made a commitment to succeed, and you should be dedicated to that commitment for success. Following are some important points about attendance:

1. The schedule for the year is posted well in advance. Therefore, I expect no one to miss a performance for something that could have been scheduled on a different day. I am making a genuine effort to inform you before you even need to know. I am asking that you make a genuine effort to not schedule a conflict.
2. However, I do understand that there are emergencies and other unexpected events that can sometimes keep you from attending. Such excuses should be given to me in writing with a signature and phone number of the doctor/hospital, funeral home director, etc., whichever the case may be. And such an absence will simply not be averaged in with the other grades so as not to affect your grade for that grading period.
3. Band camp is not optional. Please try not to schedule anything during the first full weeks of August each year. Only those who attend band camp will be eligible to receive awards at the end of the year. Band Camp always starts the first of August, so please mark your calendars now and try to avoid planning vacations during that time period, if possible.
4. Performances (i.e. parades, concerts, etc.) are not optional. Refer to the grading policy above.
5. All unexcused absences for sectionals, full band, and performances will be counted as zero points and will be averaged as such into the formula indicated in the grading policy.