All grading policies of the FRHSD are strictly applied.

      The students enrolled in the FTHS Band are graded primarily on development and improvement of musical skills, attendance at and participation in rehearsals and public performances. Playing Tests, program notes, student effort, student written self-critique and reflection, classwork, homework, outside reading, mid-term exam, final exam and other evaluative methods as listed in the course proficiencies may be used to assess student progress. 

Product/Major Assessments: 60%

Process/Minor Assessments: 40% 

Given each student’s level of proficiency, emphasis is on the following areas:

Posture (seated)

Both feet flat on floor

Hand position

Sitting on edge of chair

Back straight

Posture (standing)

Head up, shoulders back, legs straight (knees unlocked)

                Horn angle

Breathing

Takes full breath at beginning of phrases

Free of noise

Rib Cage consistently expanded

                Responds to conductor’s gesture to breathe

Phrasing

Sustains entire phrase

Releases ends of phrases cleanly

Maintains balanced dynamic levels

Rhythmic Accuracy

Maintains steady tempo

Sustains full value of notes

Performs proper note values

Performs in the proper style (“feel”)

Intonation

Maintains intonation: in all tessituras

high, middle and low register

Tone

Clear tone – low, middle and high register

Dress Code

                Concert Band - see panel on left side for link

                Marching Band - see panel on left side for link

Attendance

                See panel on left for Attendance

Articulation

Demonstration of…

Articulation of beginning of phrase

Proper articulation of tenuto passages

Proper articulation of legato passages

Proper articulation of staccato

Proper articulation of accents

Proper articulation of slurs

Proper articulation of marcato

Rehearsal Etiquette

Does not distract others

Attempts corrections as directed

Begins and ends with conductor

Attentive throughout rehearsal

Maintains place in music

Does not wear hats

No cellular phone usage

Ensemble Technique

Performs within the ensemble balance

Performs within the ensemble interpretation

                Responds to conductor’s gesture

Note Accuracy

Knows fingerings/positions/stickings

Plays in proper register

Accurate in high, middle and low register

Remains within established key

Responds accurately to accidentals

Marching Band

Music Memorization

Horn angle

Properly prepared drill book