ENSEMBLE ASSESSMENT POLICIES

Due to the large number of students involved in ensembles, they are assessed somewhat differently than typical classes.

Ensemble assessments are of three general types:

• Those that focus on literacy only (for example, theory and conceptual worksheets).

• Those that focus on literacy and technique (for example, repertoire tests).

• Those that focus on performance skill development and lifelong learning (including attendance at and participation in concerts, rehearsals, etc.).

Ensemble assessments cannot happen solely during class-time, or on an individual basis.

• Due to the nature of performing ensembles it is usually not practical to give up class rehearsal time for literacy and technique assessment purposes, therefore assessment outside of these times is often needed, and may be scheduled as follows:

  • • Early morning before school (starting as early as 6:30 AM on a volunteer basis, 7:05 AM or later may be assigned in certain circumstances)

    • During Regular Flex Blocks (by assignment)

    • After school (by assignment)

• Also due to the nature of large ensembles we often must test in small groups of 3-5 in order to fit everyone within an assessment window.

Potential problems and solutions relating to assessments and scheduling thereof.

• If a student has a problem with an assigned assessment time they should communicate with the appropriate director ASAP and we will do our very best to negotiate a new time.

• If a student misses their assigned assessment time without 24 hours notice and/or without suitable documentation they will receive an IWS on the assessment and will not be able to make it up. This is to ensure appropriate student engagement in the process and to encourage the use and development of communication skills.

• If a student needs to re-assess they will have no more than one week to do the preparatory work and re-schedule or the window on re-assessment will close and the original grade will stand.

• If a student has concerns about the format of an assessment they should communicate with a director ASAP and we will do our best to accommodate.

• We want to work with students to make assessments as stress-free as possible, however there are certain constraints that affect both faculty and students within which we all must work. If in  doubt ... please communicate!