To:  Middle School Band Parents and Students

From:  R. Turner, Band Director

Re:  Band Grading for the remainder of the school year

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 in class tests and outside class time performances.  This is 20% of the student’s six weeks grade.

II.                   Homework:  Practice record sheets are due each Friday.  This is 30% of student’s six weeks grade.

III.                 Daily Participation:  Participating in daily class with all the supplies, materials and instrument.  This is 50% of the student’s six weeks grade.

IV.                 Extra Credit

I.                      Students will be take many playing tests during the regular class period.  Students will sometimes be 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 assigned, learned in class or assigned to practice.  All performances are required and count as major test grades.  Unexcused absences from a scheduled performance will result in a failing grade for the six weeks.  Occasionally written tests will be given and will also be averaged in to the six weeks grade.

II.                   Band students always have homework.  Homework in band is PRACTICE.  To help insure students will be successful on their instrument, a PRACTICE RECORD SLIP must be turned in each Friday.   Each band member will be assigned thirty minutes (30) of meaningful practice every day outside of band class with one day off.  That is 150 minutes of practice per week (2 ½ hours).  The parents will help the band director by monitoring this practice and signing the PRACTICE RECORD SLIP on each Thursday evening to turn it in of Friday.  Students should never skip two days in a row of practice.   A very few minutes everyday is more valuable than 3 hours on Thursday night.  PRACTICE RECORD SLIPS  will be graded on the following scale.

2 ½ hours (150 minutes)   =        100

2 hours (120 minutes)       =           90

1 ½ hours (90 minutes)     =        80

1 hour  (60) minutes    =            70

less than 1 hour            =        60

No signed slip turned in    =         0 (zero)

PRACTICE RECORD SHEETS are due each Friday, therefore, Friday will count toward the next week.  Remember, PRACTICE RECORD SLIPS are worth 30% of each six weeks grade. 

III.                 Participation has several aspects.  Students are expected to bring their instruments, supplies and music to all band classes.  Failure to do so will result in a “F” for that day.  If the instrument is in the repair shop, the student must supply an invoice or ticket from that repair shop.  A student 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 is, but it will not be excused.  The only legitimate excuse for not having an instrument is a note from a repair shop stating that the instrument is being repaired.  In addition, participation would also require that a student play the instrument during class, including when called on individually.  They should also not prevent any other student from participating.  Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

IV.                 Extra Credit can be given for the following:

1.       Auditioning for All-West Honors Band

2.       Being selected for All-West Honors Band

3.       Composing written report (500-700 words) on any famous composer using at least 2 sources, on of which cannot be an encyclopedia.  This is good only once per six weeks.

4.       Performing a solo in a public performance.  Example:  Church, school program, class presentation, recital.  Student must provide proof of this performance, such as, a printed program or recording.