A student's grade is made up of five parts:
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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 100, 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 for academic emergencies - not to do homework)
- 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, yet a part that can be very easy and lots of fun! 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...) **** |
Miscellaneous Information
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Near the end of each term, the student receives
update sheets which includes what has been done and what still needs to be finished 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 scales/rudiments,
skill licks, 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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