The first thing I need students and parents to understand about what I am
trying to do with band grades is that some of the numbers do not represent an
average. When talking about something that is completely subjective like an
artistic performance it is difficult to quantify it with a number or a
percentage. Assessment is basically always happening as we rehearse our
music. Specific songs or parts of songs will also be assigned as a "test" on
to add pressure to practice and ensure that the group progresses together at
an acceptable pace. The expectation is basically that students are always
practicing and improving. The grade is simply a reflection of how they they
are progressing. Progression is considered in relationship to the child's 1)
amount of experience, 2)proven current ability level, and 3) perceived
potential. Therefore, expectations can be slightly different for each
student.
There are really only 4 "grades" as far as we need to be concerned:
Exceeding the expectation, Meeting the expectation, Not meeting the
expectation, and Not attempting to meet the expectation. A grade of A is
reserved for students who are exceeding, B is for students who are simply
meeting expectations, C is for students who are not meeting the expectations
and F is reserved only for students who simply do not even attempt to meet an
expectation. Here is the chart I have come up with to translate the meeting
of expectations to a number.
A+ = 100 = Far Exceeding Expectations
A = 96 = Exceeding Expectation
A- = 92 = Barely Exceedng Expectations
B+ = 88 = Meeting Expectation but is close to exceeding
B = 84 = Simply Meeting Expectations
B- = 80 = Barely Meeting Expectations
C+ = 76 = Not meeting expectations but is close
C = 72 = Not meeting expectations and at times is making no attempt
C- = 70 = Spends more time not participating than participating
F = 60 = No attempt is being made
What are the expectations?
For the process/participation grade students are expected to be:
*Prepared - Instrument and all needed accessories, pencil, music, method
bood, calendar/agenda, and for percussionists a stick bag with at least drum
sticks, yarn mallets, hard mallets, and a drum pad. Metronome/Tuner
preferred. I do a daily "stuff check" almost every day to make sure students
are prepared. These are worth 5 points per day.
*Practiced - Rehearsal is supposed to be for synchonizing and polishing the
simultaneous performance of up to 70 young minds. Work out the notes and
rhythms before rehearsal so as not to waste the time of your team mates. The
expectation is that all students can find 90 minutes per week although there
is no minimum or maximum requirement of minutes. I will check each Friday to
be sure that students are recording the minutes they get and that parents are
signing off to verify these minutes. A signed practice journal is worth 5
point per week.
*Quiet - A musical rehearsal is no place for idle chit chat or "solo"
practice on everyone else's time. Socialize and Practice at home after
school, rehearse at school.
*Focused, Attentive, and Determined - Students must keep their focus on the
podium at all times. When the director stops to fix a small group of
instruments or an individual, the other students should watch and learn from
their team mates' improvement and be ready to perform at a seconds notice
when it is their turn to improve or when it is time for the full group to
perform. There should be a constant sense of urgency to not waste time and
be as productive as possible with the rehearsal time we have. Each student
has a 100 point Participation and Focus which will change throughout the
course of the grading period based on the sytem explained above.
For the Performance Grade students are expected to:
*Attend and participate in all required performances
*Demonstrate during rehearsals that musicianship is being practiced and that
imporvement is steadily occuring at all times.
*During times when there is not an iminent concert or competition looming
over us, a specific assignment of songs, etudes, scales, exercises, etc. with
exact due dates will be communicated to the students.
For Content Grades students are expected to:
*Demonstrate an understanding of music history, music theory, and music
vocabulary through active participation in rehearsals, individual performance
of the music, playing tests on their instruments, and writing assignments.
If you have further questions about how your child is (or is not) advancing:
*Ask them to play you a song, they may act embarrased but deep down they like
to share what they can do.
*Ask them to teach you to play the instrument, most students love to tutor
others and explain what they know.
*Call me or email me to set up a meeting, I am more than happy to meet with
parents or students to discuss progress.