Grading Policy
Parkland High School Band Grading Policy:
Music is an important and essential part of every student’s education. The hard work and dedication required for this field of study teaches our students valuable lessons needed for the remainder of their lifetimes.
1) Music must be tested for knowledge:
Music should be tested by the date posted on the checkoff sheet. If a student does not test the required music by the due date, a grade of “0” will be issued as the grade for the piece and factored into the overall grade. Pieces not tested cannot be made up during the following marking period.
Because it is impractical and impossible for the director to hear each student individually during the band rehearsal, students will be heard during study hall periods. Students without study hall time should make arrangements with the Director to meet before or after school to complete the testing. These arrangements should be made prior to the due date in order to allow ample opportunity for the student to meet with the Director.
It must be stressed that there is no substitute for regular practice. Every student should play his/her instrument every day for at least 20-30 minutes. During small group or individual instruction the director can work with the individual and provide suggestions of how to improve the playing. The student must then practice (or study) these concepts on his/her own in order to make them a permanent part of their playing.
2) Class Participation:
Since musical interaction is required for any musical group, the way a student participates during the full group rehearsal is important. Therefore, a daily Class Participation grade will be given. Following directions, responding to musical critiques, and question/answer sessions are an essential part of the band class. Appropriate class participation would include:
● Arrives to rehearsal on time and is ready to play when the Director steps onto the podium
● Follows directions the first time they are given
● Uses appropriate posture, technique and hand/instrument position at all times
● Stops playing immediately and listens for critique when director stops conducting
● Knows at all times what section of the music is being rehearsed
● Has appropriate materials in class (instrument, music, pencil, drill coordinates)
● Properly puts materials away at the end of rehearsal
3) Attendance at performances and dress rehearsals:
A concert is considered the “final exam” for the material covered in band. Concert/Symphonic Band students are expected to perform in all of the given performances. These concerts will include the Winter Concert, Spring Concert & Commencement. Dress rehearsals are important in that they provide the final preparations for each concert. Students are expected to be at all dress rehearsals. There will be a final evening rehearsal before the Winter and Spring concerts. Students participating in Marching Band are required to attend all Marching Band performances.
Rehearsals for Jazz Band/Ensemble members (Honors level Concert Band) will take place after school once a week throughout the school year. Performances will include assigned PHS Basketball games, the spring jazz band concert, and other community events scheduled during the course of the year. These dates will be posted on the Jazz Band bulletin board, PHS Band website, and in CHARMS. Attendance at scheduled JazzBand/Ensemble rehearsals and performances is included as part of the grade for Honors level students.
The dates for all performances and rehearsals can be found on CHARMS and the PHS Band website: https://sites.google.com/a/parklandsd.net/parkland-high-school-band/
4) Folder check:
Music folders will be checked once a marking period to confirm that all distributed music is present and that students are marking appropriate notes in their parts during rehearsals
5) “Extra” musical participation (extra credit):
Preparation of solos for auditions for District Band and participation in festivals such as Lehigh County Band, PMEA District, Regional and All-State Bands, as well as other small ensembles formed at the high school is encouraged and considered as “extra credit”.
Band Study Halls:
It is suggested that each student come to the band room during at least one study hall per 6 day cycle. Students may practice in small groups, or may be rehearsed as a group by Mr. Lerew. Students who have class work to do may work quietly at a desk in the band room or obtain a library pass from another subject teacher for class assignments. No permanent band study hall passes will be granted for periods that Mr. Lerew is teaching other rehearsals or classes. Students who do not use band study hall time in an appropriate manner are subject to having their class participation grade lowered and/or may have their permanent passes revoked as well as be denied future passes.
Every student can earn an “A” grade in band if he/she works hard to improve. When improvement is achieved the student realizes the benefits of hard work and dedication and develops a true form of self esteem.
Regular practice is an essential part of the improvement process. In today’s busy times it is easy to let practice habits slide. Just 20 minutes a day over a period of time can make a great difference in your child’s playing level. With your encouragement your son or daughter will have a much more rewarding musical experience in band.
In addition to regular practice, a quality instrument in good repair and with the proper accessories is critical. When students become more advanced at the high school level they need to have their instrument grow with them. This may require the purchase of a better mouthpiece, better reeds (in the case of woodwinds), and, for the more advanced students, a better instrument. Of course your child’s instrument must always be in good repair for the student to experience success. Please consult your band director as to what instrument and accessories would be best suited for your son or daughter. Due to the recent influx in substandard instruments on the market, please speak with the Director prior to making instrument purchases! Finally, repairs and accessory purchases can always be arranged through the band office.