Assessment in Middle School Music Classes
Orchestra, Choir, and Band classes have a common goal of developing independent musicians through the process of creating quality performances. While each ensemble has items that are specific to its area, the majority of the State and National Music Standards are the same for each. The music standards are:
Performing: Performs alone and with others a varied repertoire of music
Connecting/Creating: Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines and explaining relationships between music and other arts, and academic disciplines.
Responding: Reads, notates, analyzes, describes, evaluates and interprets written and performed music
Performance assessments may include placement tests, part checks, individual performing tests, skill assessments, sight reading evaluations, and formal performances at concerts and convocations. Concert performances are part of the Standards Based Assessments and are considered Summative Assessments--concerts are a REQUIRED part of the course. If a student is absent from a formal concert for any reason, they will be required to complete an alternate assignment at the discretion of the ensemble director. Please see this year's Orchestra Calendar for performance dates and times.
Connecting/Creating and Responding assessments may include quizzes, tests, written assignments, and projects.
Although each standard is important, some standards will be assessed more often than others, and not every standard is assessed each nine weeks. Don't worry if you don't see a grade for every standard on each report card.
College & Career Readiness (CCR)
Rehearsal habits and behaviors will be documented in PowerSchool via each ensemble’s College & Career Readiness reports. Consistently demonstrating good rehearsal four habits and citizenship is an essential part of being an ensemble musician. The four CCR reporting areas are:
CCR #1: Takes responsibility to be prepared for class activities
CCR #2: Completes assignments on time
CCR #3: Follows classroom rules and procedures
CCR #4: Interacts with adults and peers in a respectful manner
ASSESSMENT RETAKES: Assessments are given to determine if a student has achieved mastery on a particular standard. Because content mastery is the goal, students may retake non-mastered assessments to demonstrate new learning or increased masteries. Students should contact Mr. Crismore in order to schedule a time before or after school to retake any assessments. Students should be able to state specific steps he or she has taken to prepare for the retake. Although allowed in most cases, not every assessment will be eligible for a retake. Because of time constraints, re-takes will not be allowed within five days of the end of a grading period in most cases.
CANVAS & ORCHESTRA WEBSITE: Canvas and this website are the two primary modes of communication between teachers, students, and parents. In Orchestra, Canvas is the principal means of distributing student assignments and taking many (but not all) written assessments. The Z-West Orchestra website is a source of general information about choir including shirt order forms, the Orchestra calendar, and Orchestra policies.
REMIND: Please sign up for Remind (our School Texting Tool.) I will be using this as an additional way to communicate with you.
Uniforms
§ The Orchestra will wear the Z-West Music Department shirt for all performances. The student purchases this item through the Orchestra department. (Orders will be taken in late August). The student must also wear black dress pants (with a belt), black dress shoes (athletic shoes, sandals, etc. are not acceptable substitutes). The uniform is all black! If it’s not black, don’t wear it! This attire will be used throughout the year. Please plan ahead and be ready for the first concert