WMS BAND MANUAL
GRADING POLICIES

Ugh... grades. First of all, I don't give grades, the student earns the grade. It is an established fact that whatever is assessed is seen as being important. Consequently, I chose the following areas to make up the points for the student's grade. My numeric system is intended to make it possible for the student to see exactly what points he or she needs in what area. Band is letter graded.

 

A student's grade is made up of five parts:

Attendance & Responsibility

35%

In-class performance, requirements & exams

25%

Concert attendance & proper concert dress

20%

Attitude, Respect & Improvement

10%

Musical Enrichment Activities

10%

Please note!!!

A "B" of some flavor (B-, B, B+) is a decent grade and pretty easy to get in band if one does the requirements and comes to the classes! Very few people get less than a B- (3-5 people out of 130, at the most, in a term).

How do you get a B or B+ ?

  • Complete the scales, skill lick, exam or other requirements (see current assignments)
  • Come to all* the flex rehearsals and workshops *(2 free misses)
  • Attend all concerts we have, or if the student has an excused absence (sick, death in the family, double commitment - note turned in) complete the make up assignment
  • PRACTICE!!!! (Practicing for lessons counts as practice; it does not have to be practice on the band music)

How do you get an A- or A ??

  • Do all of the above and
  • Turn in all written work and do revisions as necessary
  • Turn in some enrichment points

Enrichment is the most commonly missed part of the term grade. There are many opportunities for enrichment (extra scales & skill licks are easiest); check out the enrichment ideas page in this web site for some possibilities. I often suggest local concerts or special events as well. Parents, please help remind your young musician to get enrichment done early in the term before the term-end crunch in other classes! The hardest part about enrichment & skill licks is having the self-discipline to do it early!!!! (That is the responsibility part...)

 

Near the end of each term, the student receives printouts of what needs to be done to earn the best grade possible for that term. At the close of each term, the student receives a breakdown of the grade points and suggestions for improvement if needed. Generally, these two reports are not sent home, so parents, you will need to ask for them if you want to see them.

 

The Regular Grading Option includes the regular requirements and is graded as stated above. Few people get less than a B. As long as the student completes the scale, skill lick, other requirements, comes to rehearsals, does at least a little bit of practicing and attends the concerts, grades are no worry!

 

The Stressed-Out Grading Option is for the student who is feeling the pinch and can't meet the requirements while still keeping up with the rest of life. This student may miss whatever he/she needs to miss (however, students must still do the scales & skill lick requirements) and will receive a "Pass" grade on the report card. BUT, the student will not receive any awards at the end of the year. Two weeks before the concert, the student will be tested on the concert music; if he/she can not play it well, he/she will not be allowed to play in the concert and must either go back to the normal option or drop out of band. Please call me if your stressed-out musician needs this option.

(Parents & students should not consider this option unless in desperate need. Aside from the learning missed, it is not much fun to see everyone else getting the mug or pin or patch at the awards breakfast and not be included in that group.)
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