Band Grading Policy

For use with Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band I and Concert Band II

Mrs. Sally Wagner, Director

 

 

Point Totals

900 - 1000 = A

800 - 899   = B

700 - 799   = C

600 - 699   = D

599 & less = E

 

 

Daily and Weekly Points                                                             Each                     Quarter total

Daily attendance and preparation                                                   2                              100

Weekly quizzes, worksheets, or play tests                                      10-50                     200

Instrument Inspection (quarterly)                                                                                    100

Sectional Rehearsals (2 per quarter)                                                                50                           100

Notebook/Portfolio presentation (quarterly)                                                                  100

Major Project** (quarterly)                                                                                              100

Performance/Attitude/Effort (Director’s evaluation.)                                                  300

 

 

Extra Credit Points

Extra major project                                                                            100

Audition for All-State or Honor bands                                            100 or 50

Participation in All-State or Honor Bands                                      100

Participation in Solo & Ensemble Festival                                      100 per event, maximum 2

Participation in school orchestra                                                      50 per marking period

Participation in Jazz Band, Dixieland, Flute Choir                       50 per marking period

Participation in another chamber ensemble                                   25 (with approval of director)

Recital, solo performance, church performances, etc.                 10-25 (check with director)

 

 

Loss of Points

No instrument or no music in class                                                  -50

Late to a rehearsal or sectional, unexcused                                   -50

Late to a performance, unexcused                                                  -200

Unexcused absence from a sectional                                              -50

Unexcused absence from class (i.e. cutting)                                   -letter grade

Unexcused absence from after school rehearsal                           -500

Absence from a performance                                                           -1000*

Handling or playing another person’s instrument                         -500

Gum, candy, soda, food, etc. in the band room                            -200

Gum, candy, soda, food, etc. at a performance                            -200

Incomplete or incorrect display of uniform                                   -100

Disrupting a rehearsal (excessive talking, etc.)                               -100

Disruptive behavior at a concert (on stage or in audience)         -500

Late notebook                                                                                     -20 per day, max. 5 days

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excused and Unexcused Absences

*An excused absence may be obtained for contagious illness, death in the immediate family or other uncontrollable circumstance. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the director of the situation as far in advance as possible. If a student is absent the day of a performance, please call to let us know what to expect.

 

Understandably, conflicts arise with other school events. We make every effort to allow students to participate in both events. However, this requires early notification of a possible conflict. Please remember – this is a class and, as such, outweighs participation in an extra-curricular sport or activity. The earlier we know about the possible conflict the greater the chance we can schedule around it.

 

 Credit lost for an excused absence can be made up (refer to EXTRA CREDIT). Credit lost for an unexcused absence cannot be made up. (Aside: Yes, students who miss a performance for an excusable reason must do 10 extra major projects. I have an amazing collection of about twenty of these marathon concert reports, collected over 20 years. Usually students and parents are resentful going into the project but realize that others have had to do the same thing. The students usually admit that it was actually fun to get to listen to and evaluate so much music as part of their homework!)

 

Excused absences from a rehearsal or sectional require a note from the parent, in advance if possible, or the signature of the teacher of the missed period. The deadline for notes from teachers is one week after the sectional rehearsal in question.

 

 

 

**MAJOR PROJECTS – Generally, these are necessary to earn enough points for an “A”.  A major project can be:

 

  1. CONCERT REPORT – A brief paragraph written on each piece of music performed on a televised concert or a recording. Length of listening must be at least 90 minutes. For multi-movement pieces, a paragraph on each movement is required. Please list titles, composers, and length of pieces. (I generally allow jazz, classical, an occasional film sound-track, and piano, choir, band or orchestral recordings.)

 

  1. CONCERT ATTENDANCE – Go to a concert (at another school, community band or orchestra, military band, etc.) and bring back a program. Choose 1 piece from the program and write 2 paragraphs about what you heard. You must stay for the entire program in order to earn full points for your work.

 

  1. ATTEND AN ALL-DAY WORKSHOP – on your instrument or a related instrument. Attend all clinics and sessions. Write a brief summary (2-3 paragraphs) relating what you learned.

 

  1. MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PROJECT – Variable. Work must be approved in advance by the instructor.

(Aside: these have included original compositions, several hours work in the theory lab or MIDI lab, a recording project such as a clarinet choir performance with all parts played by the same student, etc.)