Class Information

Expectations & Procedures

Classroom Rules: Be on time. Be prepared. Be Respectful. Be a life-long learner.



Grade Level Discipline: 1. Verbal notice/conference 2. Parent contact/conference 3. Classroom level additional encouragement and support and parent contact 4. Referral to office for extended support and parent contact


Rules for Incentive Trip


V. 6th Grade Trip

All 6th Grade band students will be expected to participate in the Sandy Lake Band Contest in Dallas. Students must be academically eligible in order to take part in this contest. Students with discipline issues (one or more office referrals; NOT lunch detentions) in any class will not be allowed on band trips. Students who are ineligible are not allowed on this trip.

VI. 7th & 8th Grade Trip / FESTIVAL

Members of the competing 7th & 8th Grade Band may be able to go to NRH2O in May. This trip may be used as a festival (performance) also to be determined later in the year. Students may be required to earn this trip by music passoffs or other requirement the director requires. Students may be required to earn this trip by music passoffs or other requirement the director requires. Students with discipline issues (one or more office referrals; NOT lunch detentions) in any class will not be allowed on band trips. Students who are ineligible are not allowed on this trip.

Grading policy

Grading Procedures for Middle School Band



6th Grade Students are graded in the following way

Major Grades

  • Weekly tests from their Essential Elements book. Tests will be chaired and students will have the opportunity to retest if they are not satisfied with their grade. All playing tests are 60% of their grade.
  • 2 Concerts (Winter and Spring). Student participation is mandatory and students receive a 100% test grade for being present and a 0% for an unexcused absense.
  • Solo and Ensemble Contest and The Lorena Recital. All students must play a solo or ensemble or both. Student participation will receive a 100% test grade and a 0% for not participating.

Minor Grades

  • Horn Check: Student has horn in class in workable order; 5 points taken off for no horn; A grade is given every 2 weeks
  • Pencil Check: Student has pencil on stand; 5 points taken off for no pencil; A grade is given every 2 weeks
  • Book/Binder Check: Student has their book/binder. 5 points taken off for no book.; A grade is given every 2 weeks


7th & 8th Grade students are graded in the following way


Major Grades

  • Technique Tests (scales and scale patterns) either out of a band technique book or worksheets are due every other week on SmartMusic. Test grades are given and students may retest is they are not satisfied with their grade.
  • Concert Music may be graded either in class or on SmartMusic.
  • 2 Concerts (Winter and Spring). Student participation is mandatory and students receive a 100% test grade for being present and a 0% for an unexcused absense. The director may schedule other performances as he sees fit.
  • Competitions: Pre-UIL and UIL Concert & Sight Reading Contest - All students in the competition group are expected to participate in Pre-UIL and UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest. Ineligible students and students unable to play their music will be held out. The competition group receive a 100% test grade for their participation in these events. Students unexcused from these competitions that do not attend may receive a 50% at the director's discretion.
  • Solo & Ensemble Competition and the Lorena Recital - All students must play a solo or ensemble or both. Students may choose to play at one event or both.
  • Horn Check: Student has horn in class in workable order; 5 points taken off for no horn; A grade is given every 2 weeks
  • Pencil Check: Student has pencil on stand; 5 points taken off for no pencil; A grade is given every 2 weeks
  • Book/Binder Check: Student has their book/binder. 5 points taken off for no book.; A grade is given every 2 weeks
  • Section Grades: Students will be given specific places in the music to practice and improve. Grades will be taken as a section (Ex. Trumpets play measures 17-24 for me)