Grading System

Learning the fundamentals of instrumental technique begins with the first contact with the instrument and continues throughout your participation in band. As with any other course, your mastery of the concepts plays an integral part in your quarterly evaluation.

Your grade will be determined by lessons:

 

Lesson Grade

 A. Once-per-cycle lessons are required and will receive an individual grade on a point system basis.

 1. 5 points maximum - attendance

 2. 20 points maximum - performance

Your lesson grade will be based on a combination of your attitude and ability to perform the instrumental concepts being currently studied. Your quarter grade will be based on total points accumulated for each lesson during the nine weeks. The grade will be based on the 90%-80%-70%-60% ranking as it applies to a letter grade.

B. If you miss a lesson for any reason other than being absent from school or a previously scheduled test (during class time, not study hall), you will lose all five attendance points automatically.

C. If there is a test in the portion of the period for which you are scheduled for a lesson, this is considered an excused absence. You must schedule a make-up lesson to earn the attendance as well as the performance points.

D. If you are absent for a lesson, you are expected to schedule a make-up lesson. Be sure to note that you are usually allowed four days to schedule your make-up lesson. Lessons will not be made-up after that time.

 

Attendance

A. Attendance at all specified performances are required, and unexcused absences may lower the quarter grade of an individual to "F."

B. Two unexcused absences from performance may result in dismissal from the band.

C. An excused absence is defined as:

1. Illness

2. Legitimate emergencies

3. Anything not included in the above two categories must be discussed with and receive the approval of the director, or it will be unexcused. ("Work" will not be given consideration as an excuse at any time.)

4. Greater flexibility is permitted in Pep Band, but you must follow the specified procedure, including a minimum advance notice of three school days.

D. If it is necessary for you to request an excuse from a performance for any reason other than that stated above, the director must receive the request no less than one week in advance, legitimate emergencies excepted, or it will be considered unexcused. THIS REQUEST MUST BE IN WRITING!