Grading

Every student’s grade will be determined by the same factors:

Playing assignments:

• Students will be given playing assignments appropriate to the level of their band class.

• Students should expect 1-2 playing assignments per week.

• Playing assignments will be assigned one week ahead of time so students have time to practice. 

• Playing assignments will be due by Sunday night of that week.

• Playing assignments will be typically complete through the SmartMusic website. 

• Students may record SmartMusic assignments at home or in one of our Practice Rooms. 

• Any student can take the option of playing their assignment in-person with one of the band teachers. Please plan ahead if you intend to play an assignment in person.

• Students will be given the opportunity to retest any playing test (within that quarter/concert cycle) that they would like to gain more points on.  

• Playing tests and quizzes are typically worth between 5 and 25 points depending on the length and difficulty of the passage.

Music Checks and other projects:

• At the beginning of each concert cycle (quarter), students will be submitting their music to Mr. Daniel to confirm that they have completed our basic checklist of “Music Markings.”

• Students will receive a rubric for this assignment ahead of time and will receive feedback.

• This assignment will be worth between 10-25 points. 

• Group and Individual projects may occasionally be assigned in band.  

• Most, if not all of the assignment components will be available on the Google Classroom page for students to access at all times.

• All projects will have a direct connection to a band piece or theme that we are performing and discussing in class.

• Project point values will range from 25 to 100 points depending on the length and content.

Online Assignments and Reflections: 

• Part of a student’s homework grade will be based on their responses using online Google forms

• Students will receive up to 1 week to complete the online forms. Specific due dates will be communicated to students at the beginning of the assignment.

• Online assignments and reflections will consist of questions regarding performances, activities involving music literacy, and other non-performance based projects.

• These assignments are typically worth between 25 and 100 points depending on the length and content of expected responses.

Concerts/Performances:

• Concerts and other performances of the bands have the greatest point value of any single assignment or grade in band. 

• Concerts and other Performances are worth 50  points and have a significant impact on a student’s final grade. 

• ALL PERFORMANCES OF THE BAND ARE REQUIRED – Any excused absences except school day excused absences will need to be communicated and discussed with the director ahead of time (minimum of 2 weeks). 

• For students who have an excused absence and have also let the director know ahead of time, an alternate assignment will be worked out to take the place of the missed concert.

• All members of the bands are important and our success as an ensemble depends on the positive contributions and attendance of every single student.