Your grade in our band class will be based on a few important things. 80% of it comes from what happens during our rehearsals and performances. Let me explain:

• Rehearsal Technique: Every day, you can earn up to 5 points by participating and following instructions during our rehearsals. This helps us get better as a band.

• Playing/Written Tests: Sometimes, we'll have tests where you'll show how well you play your instrument or answer questions in writing. It shows how much you're improving.

• Quizzes: We'll have smaller quizzes to check how well you understand important musical ideas or the pieces we're working on.

• Concerts: Our concerts are a big deal! They're a part of your grade too. When we perform, your participation and performance really matter.

Now, the other 20% of your grade comes from different assignments and activities. These include:

• Written Assignments: You'll have tasks where you write about musical topics or talk about your experiences.

• Google Classroom Assignments: Sometimes, we'll use Google Classroom for special assignments or activities related to band class.

• Concert Critiques: After attending concerts, you'll get to write about what you thought of the performances.

These assignments help us see how well you know and enjoy music outside of our regular rehearsals. They all add up to your overall grade in band class.

Being part of Google Classroom is super important for our class. It's something we all need to do, no matter if we use Chromebooks, smartphones, home computers, smart devices, or library computers. Here's what you need to know:

• It's Required: Joining Google Classroom is a must. It's like a special online classroom just for us!

• Check Daily: You should check Google Classroom every day. That way, you won't miss any updates, important info, new assignments, or announcements.

So, let's make sure we're all connected on Google Classroom. It's where we'll stay up-to-date and keep things running smoothly in our class.

Playing tests are like a mini-concert, but just for you and the director. They help the director see how well you play your instrument and give you feedback to improve. Here's what you need to know about them:

• Evaluation Time: Playing tests let the director check how you're doing on your own. It's like a special evaluation, just for you!

• How They Work: Most of the time, you'll do the playing test through a video on Google Classroom. But sometimes, it might happen in class or during our regular class time.

• Points and Rubric: The playing tests will have different points, and you'll know beforehand how much each test is worth. You can find a rubric (that's like a guide) for playing tests at the end of this handbook.

Practicing at home is super important for your progress in the band. Playing a band instrument involves using special muscles in your mouth called the embouchure. When you practice every day, it helps those muscles get stronger so you can make a beautiful sound when you play.

Not only that, but practicing at home also helps you remember and review the important things we learn in class. It's like reinforcing all the cool stuff you're learning about music.

When you turn in your work late, there's still a chance to earn some points, but there's a limit. The maximum score you can get for late work is 75%. So, it's better to turn things in on time to get full credit.

Also, keep in mind that if your work is more than two weeks late, unfortunately, we won't be able to accept it anymore. So, it's essential to try your best to submit your assignments within the given time frame.

Remember, doing your work on time helps you learn better and keeps things running smoothly in our class. Let's stay on top of things together!