Band students will be graded on a variety of items. The list below will best explain the grading system I will use.

I. Playing and Written Tests: including tests and concerts

II. Classwork/Homework: worksheets averaged into one test grade

III. Practice Report Grade: Six weekly grades will be averaged into two test grades

IV. Objective Checkoff Grade: Grades will be averaged into one test grade

V. Daily Participation Grade: Grades will be averaged into several test grades

VI. Extra Credit

I. I give students playing tests (application tests) and written tests (knowledge tests). Students are sometimes told when a playing test will be given. But more than likely, a playing test can be given without warning on any music that has been previously learned in class or assigned for practice. All performances and concerts count as a major project which allows me to give multiple test grades. Also failure to report to these concerts will result in your child failing band for the six weeks.

Students are sometimes given worksheets to do during classtime or at home to master a new skill or piece of knowledge. These will all be averaged into one test grade.

II. The "Practice report grade" is a grade in which you will be directly involved. It is a method that is used successfully in other schools all over the state and country. Your child will have a standard homework assignment of 30 minutes of meaningful practice outside of class everyday (with one day off per week). This will mean that he or she should have 180 minutes of practice per week. You as the parent will help me to monitor this by signing your child's practice report to verify your child's time. I will not take reports that are not signed by you, the parent. Lastly, you will be issued six weeks worth of blank forms. After signing the forms, detach and give to your child to turn in. The practice sheets are to be turned in on Fridays. Therefore, Fridays will count toward the next week. Please see the separate sheet concerning filling out practice forms.

III. The "Objective checkoff grade" may be new to you. That is a grade your child will earn by completing the objectives for instrumental music set forth in the Memphis City Schools Instrumental Music Curriculum Guide. The grade will be determined by the number of objectives they have mastered compared to the number of objectives that have been taught.

IV. Participation has several aspects to it. Students are expected to bring their instruments on all of their assigned band days. The grade of 'F' for participation will be given for every day that your child does not have an instrument (if it is not in the shop). A child or parent telling me that they left it in the other car, or on the bus, or at another custodial parent's, or at grandma's etc. explains where the instrument, but it will not be excused. The only legitimate excuse for not having their instrument is a note from a repair shop stating that their instrument is being repaired. Verbal notice from the child will not be accepted. If you are not going to take the instrument in for two more days, then your child needs to have that instrument at school until you bring it to be repaired. Also, participation deals with students having supplies, pencil, music book, and sheet music (when given). If any of these supplies are not brought to class, there will be a grade penalty. Lastly, having an instrument and the proper supplies is needed, but the student must actually participate (perform) when asked. The student should play their part when asked and should not prevent other people from participating when they are asked. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

VI. There are equal opportunities all students to earn a few extra points in my classes. "Extra credit" will be awarded for the following:

1. auditioning for the All-West Honor Band (January: 6th,7th and 8th grade).
2. being selected for an All-West Honor Band
3. performing at least one selection at the Solo/Ensemble Festival (usually March: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade).
4. composing a written report (500-700 words) on any famous composer using at least 2 sources, one of which cannot be an encyclopedia; must have bibliography. (Good only once per six weeks; students cannot use the same composer for more than one six weeks report: 6th, 7th, and 8th grade).
5. performing a solo in a public performance. Ex. Church, school program, class presentation, recital. Student must provide proof of this performance, such as, a printed program or a recording.

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