Grading

Orchestra will be graded on the following:

- 50% Daily Rehearsal Skills
- 35% Lessons
- 15% Assessments

Performance Skills = 55%

Students will receive full credit for being in class, arriving on time, participating and positively contributing to the musical experience. Absences, tardiness, or failure to participate can negatively affect your credit for the day. Those students who have an EXCUSED absence from class can make up points by staying during 10th period.

Students are expected to have their instrument, a pencil and music for ALL rehearsals.

INSTRUMENTS AT HOME

Students are expected to take their instruments home over the weekend to prepare for the following week. The way we achieve greatness is by working hard towards our goals! The success of this ensemble is dependent on each persons’ effort. Effort can be measured differently.

CONCERT ATTENDANCE

Concerts/performances are the culmination of our learning goals and are required!

EXCUSED ABSENCES- Illness or family emergencies. Students who miss due to an excused absence MUST complete a MISSED CONCERT ASSIGNMENT. Please call or email Mr. Siekierski as soon as possible if you fall into this category.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE- Are absences for any other reason. Please look over our calendar carefully. You should have plenty of time to plan. Most school events are not scheduled at the same time as our performance. If you have a job, it is your responsibility to notify your employer. AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATICE FAILURE FOR THE QUARTER!

Lessons = 25%

The following is essential to your growth as a musician. You are responsible for preparing the following:

Scales (Major, minor, 1- and 2-octaves)
Proper Technique based on instrument
Proper posture
Any book work
Solos, etudes, small ensemble work

The grading scale is as follows:

50 points- obvious evidence of practicing their materials, comes to lesson with required materials
40 points- minimal preparation for the lessons but shows a strong effort to learn material, comes to lesson with required materials
30 points- no preparation for the lesson but shows strong effort to learn material, comes to lesson with required materials
20 points- no preparation and shows little to no effort in learning the material, comes to lesson with required materials
10 points- no preparation for lesson, show no effort in learning material, does not come with required materials

It is the student’s responsibility to attend their scheduled lesson, unless a test, quiz or other class necessity comes up. If you have to miss a lesson, let Mr. Siekierski know as soon as possible. Missed lessons must be made up within 2 weeks. An initial grade of 0 will be entered. Once the lesson is made up, the 0 will be excused.

Performance Quizzes/Exams = 20%

These playing quizzes and exams will be used to measure your progress and playing ability.

Playing Quizzes

Before each concert, students will perform a playing quiz based on the material for a performance. Quizzes will take place a week before a performance. Excerpts will be chosen based on your part. You will be given ample time to prepare for these quizzes.

Mid-Term Exam (January) & Final Exam (May/June)

All students will prepare a solo for January AND May/June. You have the choice to perform the solo at the ECMEA solo festival OR for Mr. Siekierski. This will count as 20% of your grade. The exam will consist of your solo, scales and a short sight-reading example. Sign-up sheets will be available. You will get 15 minutes.

ECMEA & NYSSMA

Fees for the ECMEA solo festival are covered by the district. NYSSMA fess must be supplied by the student. Solo level determines cost. More detailed information will be given closer to these events.

Sectional Attendance = 5%

Sectionals will be held before major performances. Students are required to attend AT LEAST 2 scheduled rehearsals.

EXTRA CREDIT

Students have chances to receive extra credit towards their quarterly grade. The following are eligible.

- Participating in the ECMEA Solo Festival in January
- Participating in the NYSSMA Solo Festival in the spring
- Performing in an All-County (ECMEA) or All-State (NYSSMA) ensemble
- Rehearsing and performing in an ensemble other than orchestra (i.e.:
- Jazz Band, String Quartet, Musical Pit)
- Attending a performance (concert, musical, etc.) that you do not perform in. I.e.: middle or high school musical, BPO concert, etc.

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