ASSESSMENT
In lessons and band rehearsals, students will rarely be asked to
take a written test. Assessment in band takes place during the
music making. In other words, students are asked to demonstrate
what they have learned by applying musical knowledge to their
performance. Students in grades 6-8 are assessed on the preparation
of their weekly lesson,
performance on playing exams, and performance in
rehearsals/concerts. An average of these categories determines the
student’s final grade. Below, you will find a break down of the
grading procedure by grade level.
LESSON GRADE
The lesson grade is an average of the scores received for the
student’s weekly practice record, performance of musical excerpts
from the method book and class participation.
Practice record: Students will receive a grade each week determined
by the number of minutes practiced in that week.
6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade
A= 70+ A = 80+ A = 80+
B= 50-69 B = 50-79 B = 60-79
C= 40-49 C = 40-59 C = 40-59
D= 30-39 D = 30-39 D = 30-39
F= under 30 F = under 30 F = under 30
If a student misses a week of practice, they will be given an
incomplete. Full credit will be given to students for missed
practice if the time is made up within two weeks. After two weeks,
the incomplete will be marked as a zero. Of course if a student is
sick for an extended period of time, they will not be held
responsible for the practice time. While the practice can be done in
one day, it is highly recommended that the student practices shorter
amounts of time over several days. All students must a have their
practice record signed every week by their parent or guardian. I
realize that the weekly signing and monitoring of these practice
sheets is often difficult, but I have found that it greatly
increases the student’s responsibility and accountability for their
grades on a weekly basis.
Quiz grade: Students will be quizzed on musical excerpts from the
method book and band music throughout the term.
SCALE TEST
Students will be asked to perform by memory the scales required by
the Northborough/Southborough Band Scope and Sequence.
REHEARSAL/CONCERT GRADE
Students will be expected to be active participants in all band
rehearsals. Performances are the culmination of the hard work
accomplished in rehearsals and skill developed during lessons and
home practice. Therefore, attendance and participation in
performances and festivals are an integral part of the band
experience. Parents will need to provide written notification two
weeks prior to the event if their son/daughter cannot attend a
concert/festival. Please see the attached calendar of musical
events. Concert attendance will be graded and a make-up project
will be assigned to any student who cannot attend a performance.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students should be given every opportunity to excel in band.
Students can receive extra credit for their term grade for practice
times exceeding the assigned number of minutes or by other music
projects. Please see me for details.