Marking period grades are based 50% on preparedness and 50% on assessments. Grades and averages may be viewed on the Parent and Student Portals. Parents will be contacted through email, phone, or receive a progress report through Parent Portal if progress is not adequate.

Preparedness (50%)

Students will earn a preparedness grade for each week in the marking period. Students are expected to arrive at lessons and rehearsals on time, and bring their instrument/drumsticks, lesson book, music, and pencil. It is also expected that students bring instruments and music home for practice -- at the very least over weekends and breaks. Students begin with an A for their weekly preparedness grade. A deficiency in any of the previously mentioned areas will drop that week’s preparedness grade 1/3 of a letter (e.g. A to A-, etc.).

Assessments (50%)

Student assessments may include the following:

• SmartMusic assignments
• playing quizzes (in lessons or recorded at home)
• mouthpiece hygiene checks
• concert listening evaluations
• post tests
• projects such as solo project
• final exam
• other classwork or assignments

** Late assignments may be submitted for partial credit. If you are not happy with your grade on a particular assessment, you may re-take any quiz/exam or resubmit any other assignment for a better grade.

Extra Credit

Extra credit questions are posted each week on the extra credit bulletin board. Correct answers will raise that week’s preparation grade 1/3 of a letter (e.g. A to A+). Extra credit is also awarded for extra-curricular performances or concert attendance. Additional extra credit may be earned for helping with concert set up.