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Grades & Grading
As Orchestra is an academic course, grades are carefully computed based on the following criteria:
Demonstrated Performance - 25%
How well a student performs ensemble music compared to their ability. This will reflect the degree of a student's preparedness on assigned material, not just raw talent or skill on one's instrument. Students will be assessed weekly in sectionals to determine performance level.
Homework - 25%
Just like every other class in school, Orchestra has homework. It is practice. A letter grade will be given based on the amount of concentrated practice completed each week. Practicing will be recorded on Practice Records, verified and signed off by a parent, and collected during sectionals each week. Some weeks will use a Practice Journal assignment, not based on time, but on effective goal-setting and practice techniques and the ability to describe them in writing. For most weeks, though, grades will be based on:
* 150 or more min./week = "A"
* 120-149 min./week = "B"
* 90-119 min./week = "C"
* 60-89 min./week = "D"
Preparedness - 25%
Students receive a 100% in Preparedness at the beginning of each quarter. Points are then deducted whenever a student comes unprepared to a Orchestra performance, rehearsal or class. Examples would include, but are not limited to, forgetting one's instrument, not having a good reed, misplacing or forgetting one's music, not having a pencil in class.
Playing Tests -- "Performance Quizzes" - 25%
Students will graded on a performance of assigned material at least once per semester. Letter grades will be given based on the following criteria:
A - The best conceivable performance of the material. Careful attention was given to the unique style of the piece, well constructed musical phrasing, steady tempo, accuracy of tone, pitch, dynamics, and articulation, and good intonation.
B - A good performance of the assigned material. All rhythms and notes were correct, but the performance was found lacking on additional musical devices as described above.
C - A fair performance of the material, with occasional mistakes in time, notes, and/or rhythm. Student may have had to stop and restart once.
D - A poor performance of the material, with frequent errors in time, notes, and/or rhythm. Students may have stopped two to several times during the performance.
E - Unacceptable performance. The student exhibited little evidence of effort or preparation. Must be brought up to a level consistent with the rest of the ensemble.
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