Part Nine
Grading & sign-off

18Grading

Marking-period grades come from two rubrics — one for band, one for weekly applied lessons — averaged into the final grade.

Band rehearsal & concert rubric
Preparedness assessed every rehearsal Effort, participation & direction-following assessed every rehearsal Concert & rehearsal performance every rehearsal + Dec & May concerts
4 Is prepared with music, instrument, and pencil. Gives full effort, is always on task, and follows directions given. Gives full participation and is fully prepared to give a high-quality performance.
3 Most of the time is prepared with music, instrument, and pencil. Gives some effort, is sometimes off task, and sometimes needs to be redirected. Gives full participation and is mostly prepared to give a quality performance.
2 Sometimes does not come prepared with music, instrument, or pencil. Gives little effort, is mostly off task, and needs to be redirected often. Attends concert but is not fully prepared to give a high-quality performance.
1 Attends rehearsals but is rarely prepared. Effort, participation, and direction-following very poor to not acceptable. Attends concert but is not fully prepared to give a high-quality performance and exhibits poor behavior.
0 Does not attend rehearsals. No effort, not participating, does not follow directions. Does not attend performances.
Weekly lesson rubric
Rhythms accuracy & fluidity Notes dexterity Interpretation dynamics & articulation Sound production tone & control
4 Performed rhythms with accuracy. Performed notes with accuracy. Performed all dynamics and used appropriate articulation throughout. Great sound production and plays with great control throughout.
3 Performed most rhythms with some accuracy. Beat/pulse is detected. Performed most notes with some accuracy. Performed most dynamics and sometimes used appropriate articulation. Good sound production and plays with control throughout.
2 Performed very few rhythms correctly. Almost no beat/pulse. Performed very few notes with accuracy. Performed very few dynamics and only some articulation. Poor sound production and plays with little control.
1 No rhythms performed correctly. No sense of beat/pulse. No notes performed correctly. No use of dynamics or appropriate articulations. Does not have a good sound or demonstrate any playing control.
0 Does not attend lessons.
Band grade + Lesson grade ÷ 2 = Marking-period average
From the Band Office — Poland Central School

19Please sign & return

After reading through this handbook together, please sign below and return this page to Mr. Brown. One signed page per student.

Student pledge

I, , after reading over this handbook with Mr. Brown, take on the responsibilities of being a member of a performing ensemble. I will attend my lessons regularly, perform in all performances, and I will make sure that practice takes place at home by completing and signing the weekly planner every week. I will work together with my teachers and fellow musicians to make my school proud of me and its music program.

Student signature
Date

Parent / guardian pledge

As a parent or guardian, I have read over this handbook with my child and take on the responsibility of nurturing my young musician. I will make sure that practice takes place at home by completing and signing the weekly planner every week, and that my young musician attends all concerts. I will feel free to contact Mr. Brown with any concerns I may have, and I understand that Mr. Brown may contact me about my young musician's progress at any time during the school year.

Parent / guardian signature
Date