How Are We Assessed

Grading

Grades in choir are earned by assessing each student’s knowledge (classroom assignments, quizzes, and exams), skills (sight-reading and mastering repertoire), and participation in daily rehearsals and required performances.

Grades will be assessed on a percentage system as follows:

• Daily grade - class rehearsal, in class assignments - 50%
• Major grade - Performances - 50%

MAJOR GRADE - PERFORMANCE

Attendance Policy

As a member of the TCMS Choir, students have an obligation to their ensemble to be at school, at rehearsals, and at performances on time, prepared, and with all necessary materials. Please read the following carefully:

1. All choir students are expected to have good daily attendance in school.
2. Attendance at rehearsals and concerts is required and graded. Students must make the director aware in advance if they will not be at a choir rehearsal (due to a doctor’s appointment, meeting with counselors, sporting event, etc.) The exception is if the student is ill and advance notice cannot be given, but a note must still be provided after the missed rehearsal has occurred.
3. If a concert is missed due to an excused absence, a make-up essay will be assigned and will be due within one week of the student’s return to school (see “Make-up Work” section). A student’s grade may be withheld until the assignment is completed.
4. Examples of UNEXCUSED absences include, but are not limited to:

• Work**
• Oversleeping
• Lack of Transportation
• Babysitting**

**The TCMS Choir calendar is available the first weeks of school so you can plan your year accordingly.

5. Chronic absenteeism from school, multiple unexcused absences from rehearsals or performances, and multiple tardies may result in:

• Grade reduction
• Loss of performance status (in concerts, in competitions, or in class)
• Removal from TCMS Choir social activities
• Removal from choir program

Below is an example of a rubric that we use for Concert Evaluation