SHS Staff Pages: Gerdes, Shelly

Junior High Band Grading Requirements

By Shelly Gerdes

June 13, 2006

JUNIOR HIGH BAND GRADING REQUIREMENTS
revised June 2006

50% CLASS PARTICIPATION
Each day of class is worth 10 participation points. 10 points is an A, 9 is a B, 8 is a C, 7 is a D, 6 or below is an F.

Be prepared for class. This consists of practicing band music at home, having all necessary equipment (instrument, music, sticks, reeds, neck straps etc.) at every rehearsal, and being ready to play within 3 minutes after the bell rings.

The student participates to the best of their ability in class activities.

The student works cooperatively with classmates and offers their assistance to help make the band work as a team. For instance: helping each other with equipment, folders, and instruments.

The student follows classroom rules and avoids disrupting the class in learning activities. Not following class rules and being disruptive will be a deduction in points in this category and detentions will be given at the discretion of the instructor.

The student has respect for classmates, the teacher, and the equipment used by choir and band.

If a student does not have their instrument for class they will be given a zero for the day. If they borrowed an instrument, then they will receive a D since they should be playing on your own instrument. If the student's instrument is in the shop or they have a physical impairment that does not allow them to play; the student will not lose any points. The instructor will find alternative things for them to do such as being a class helper, doing computer music programs, or following along with the music as the band practices. The instructor may have the student take lessons depending on the number of rehearsals the student misses due to not being able to practice with the band and also according to their prior knowledge and ability on the music.

Students are allowed 5 absences from band class a quarter before they lose daily points. Example: Joe had 2 dental appointments, 2 days he was home with the flu, and 1 day for being absent for a family vacation. If he misses again in the same quarter ( absence #6) he would need to make that time up in a lesson within 1 week of that 6th absence. Lessons are held before and after school, or during study skills.

Lessons: Lessons will be a part of the participation grade up to 20%. Lessons are mandatory if the instructor tells a student they need help, or need to make up class time. Lessons are given to students who need or want additional help, need to make up class time, learning more about their instrument, or are starting a new instrument, and learning music outside of band class such as the solo and small group entries we take to the contest in March.

30% PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE
Attendance at performances is mandatory. This policy also includes out-of-town performances such as music contest in March. Excused absences shall be at the discretion of the director and shall include illness, death in the family, or other unavoidable conflicts.

Advance notice is required for any absence!! A parent must call the instructors home 2 hours before a performance. Phone 645-3046. If the instructor does not answer, leave a message. Band members rely
heavily on each other. Each student is an important member of the band. It is noticed by the band members when a student misses a concert, and it does effect how well we perform.

Performance Dress Code:
Girls: wear dress clothes such as dress slacks and tops, dresses and skirts, and dress shoes. Wear shoes you can walk in ! Skirts and dresses should be at mid-calf due to the audience seating being lower than your stage seating.

Boys: dress slacks,shirts/tops, and shoes. Make sure what you wear looks neat, clean, and pressed.

Wrinkles on a $200 outfit make it look like a cheap outfit. Price is not the important factor: how it fits, if its clean, if its pressed, and it fits well; make an outfit look great. Stay away from blue denim because even most skirts or dresses in denim still appear casual or washed out. Clothes should not have writing or symbols on them like jersey numbers, trademark symbols, and advertisements. Dress shoes look much better with dress clothes than tennis shoes or flip flops. Your outfit should not change your posture. An example of causing a posture problem would be a girl crossing her legs so that she can cover her short dress.

Warm ups for Performances and Responsibilities at the Performances: Students must be on time for warmups because this is where we prepare the band to play well and in tune to one another. Warm ups are usually 20 to 30 minutes before a performance. At performances students need to have their instrument, music and reeds. Failure to have these items will be a deduction of performance points. Good behavior as an audience member is also a part of the performance grade. When the student is in the audience, or waiting in the hallway, commons, or music room; it is important to remember all class room rules are in effect. Do not allow yourself to receive a poor performance grade due to problems with behavior, improper dress, or not being on time for warmups. Any of these things can automatically drop your performance to a C, D, or F grade.

*1st quarter normally does not have a performance grade. The 30% grade is then transferred to the class participation grade.

20% TESTS AND QUIZZES
Short tests or quizzes will be given in written examinations or playing tests. The instructor will help the student prepare in class, but they may have to study or practice at home depending on their understanding of the concept, and ability to listen in class. All exams will deal specifically with information covered in the band literature or the Standard of Excellence method book. Tests and quizzes are on music vocabulary and symbols, and medal winners and gold highlighted concepts in the method book.