Details of the Class

MU:Pr6.1.E.Ia - Attention to Technical Accuracy and Expressive Qualities Assessments: 

*We have included the proficiency scale for these assessments on the next page.*

Lesson Book Assessments – During lessons, students will be evaluated on technique, pitch, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics. Each lesson book page has a checklist including skills that are achieved. Students will get three lessons to achieve a “4” on each assessment. After those three lessons OR achieving a “4”, we will move on to the next assessment.  If a student does not achieve a “4” on each of the standards after three lessons, they may come in for a make-up lesson to retake that assessment. Students may sign up for a make-up lesson on the band room door. A lesson book reassessment must be completed before the end of the semester.

Band Song Assessments – Students may choose to work on their band music during their lessons. Students will be evaluated based on technique, pitch, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics. Each band song has its own checklist scale. Your teacher will be evaluating technique, pitch, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics. Reassessments can be done at any time BEFORE the concert that this particular band test is evaluating. Students may reassess in a make-up lesson (they may sign-up on the band room door).

Solo/Small Ensemble Assessments –  When the student is working on a solo/small ensemble piece, the teacher will break down the solo/small ensemble piece into several assessments. Students will be evaluated on technique, pitch, rhythm, articulation, and dynamics as well as their own interpretation of the music.  Assessments can be made up at any time BEFORE the performance of the solo/small ensemble that this particular assessment is evaluating. Students may reassess in a make-up lesson (they may sign-up on the band room door).

MU:Pr4.3 - Interpretation and Expression Assessments (7-12 ONLY): 

Interpretation & Expression Assessments –  As students work to achieve technical accuracy on their solo or small ensemble music, they will be assessed on their ability to make choices related to expression, tempo, and style. These will be assessed a week before the performance date in lessons and rehearsals. Assessments can be made up at any time BEFORE the performance of the solo/small ensemble that this particular assessment is evaluating. Students may reassess in a make-up lesson (they may sign-up on the band room door).

MU:Re9.1 & MU:Pr6.1.E.Ib - Evaluate Performance and Engage an Audience Assessments: 

Performances – One of the four core standards for the fine arts is PERFORM so performances are important aspects of music classes. In the music department, we score on two main standards for performances: connection to music and evaluation of live music. In the case of an absence, the standard missed may be made up with an assessment that assesses the two standards. This will include a performance of the pieces in the concert/performance missed AND evaluating a live performance. Students should reach out to their band director if interested in reassessing a performance. Reassessing a performance needs to be done within one week of the concert. An alternative timetable may be arranged due to student illness if communicated with teachers.

Class Expectations

You will be expected to respect the band room and all items within. Pick up after yourself; keep shelves and the floor clean of trash and personal items. The band room is not your personal locker; do not treat it as such. Your band directors do not have the time to do this for you. Food, gum, pop, etc. are strictly prohibited in the band room.

Practice Expectations

Just as students must do homework in other academic classes, students must practice at home to be successful in band. We encourage students to find a time and place that they can practice regularly and develop a workable routine. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 10 minutes every day. Each band lesson grade is determined by the student’s preparation and performance of the assigned material. 

Attendance

Students enrolled in the instrumental music program are required to attend all rehearsals, performances, and lessons. If students do not attend these, there is not an opportunity to assess students’ learning. In addition, band is a class that needs each and every student in order to achieve a goal. The events outside of the school day are in this handbook and posted in the band room. Look for the * on the calendar to determine which are required.

Students will be given the opportunity to make up any points not earned due to an unavoidable performance absence. To receive an excused absence, the student must complete the “Request for Excused Absence” form and turn it in two weeks before the event. All absences must be reviewed by your teachers in order to be excused. “I had to work” is not an excused absence. The “Request for Excused Absence” form can be found in the band room.

You can find this form on the "Documents" tab on this website.