BAND GRADING POLICY

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Students in a Cherokee Bluff band class are graded on a series of criteria.  Final grades are a combination of regular participation, special projects, and performances.  While a student is expected to attend all rehearsals and performances outside of the school day, occasionally emergency conflicts arise.  Conflicts with work, sports, other school activities, family events, etc. are not emergencies and should be resolved in advance.  In the event of an emergency conflict, material and experiences can be made up during class on the day following the absence.  Students will play any music rehearsed or performed in front of the class for a grade, thus simulating the actual performance in front of a live audience.
 
Specific expectations and the percentage of the student’s semester grade are listed below:

Summative Assessments: 50%
These assignments will consist of ten (10) assessments (five for each concert cycle) comprising assignments directly related to the concert performances. These grades can include the following:
  1. Playing/singing pass-offs of concert music to be completed in person or online.
  2. Research assignments related to the composer, history, meaning of the piece, etc.
  3. Evaluation of the concert performance.
  4. Written performance reflection. 
  5. Other assignments deemed necessary by the instructor. 

Formative Assessments: 40%
These assignments will consist of other assignments not specified as concert grades but directly related to the study of music. These grades can include the following:
  1. Pass-offs of scales, etudes, solos, and music.
  2. Sight-reading assignments/quizzes.
  3. Theory assignments/quizzes.
  4. Written music assignments/quizzes. 
  5. Active participation during co-curricular (during and outside of class) rehearsals. 
 
Midterm/Final Exam: 10%
A midterm and final exam will consist of a performance assessment and a comprehensive written assessment administered during the last week of the semester.
 
Regarding Performances:
Students receive an 'O, S, N" for each performance, and this is averaged into their semester grades. O (outstanding) (95-100%), S (satisfactory) (85-95%), or N (needs improvement) (70-84%).

Concert attendance is required for students choosing to take an ensemble class. All mandatory concert dates are given to ensemble members at the beginning of the school year. However, there are instances (illness, death in family) that occasionally arise, and these absences are considered 'excused' as long as students complete a make-up assignment that takes approximately the same amount of time as the concert that was missed. For future reference, it's important to note that when an ensemble member is missing, it affects everyone around them because of their unique sound and contributions to the group is missing. 

Regarding Missed performances:
1. Prior Commitment: The directors must receive a note from a parent/guardian at least 2 weeks before the concert/performance. The student will complete a written assignment that is approximately the same length as a concert performance. The student's completed work must be at a satisfactory level to earn full credit.
2. Illness/Family Emergency: Parents or guardians must email or call and notify the directors of the situation as soon as possible, as well as provide a written excuse. The student will complete a written assignment that is approximately the same length as a concert performance. The student's completed work must be at a satisfactory level to earn full credit.
3. No Advance Warning/Unacceptable Excuse - No makeup work permitted. Zero credit for the concert/performance.
All students are expected to participate daily.  Please try to avoid long periods of time with an instrument in non-playing condition or in the shop.  Alternate assignments will be given to those who forget to bring their instruments or music from home.  Class time needs to be productive.  Due to the number of students in each period, coupled with the fact that they have instruments in-hand, it is easy for the noise level to get out of control.  Students should not play randomly when they enter the class.  We will warm up as a group.  When the conductor stops during rehearsal, students should remain quiet in order to hear the instructions.  Productive use of rehearsal time means higher performance levels.
 
Students should take care of sheet music needs, instrument care and preparations, etc. before class.  Do not lose valuable time going to get valve oil or searching for another reed.  Percussionists should set up everything for the day’s rehearsal at the beginning of class.  They should not waste time searching for sticks, mallets or accessory instruments during rehearsal.
 
All instrument cases should be stored in the designated area at the side or back of the room.  The band seating area should be free of clutter.
 
The director’s office is off-limits to students unless they have been asked to enter by the director.  Telephone use should be limited to emergency situations only.  The copier inside the office is for teacher use only.  Please respect the working space of the director and the privacy of the office.  Knock before entering.

BAND CLASS DISCIPLINE POLICY

Students participating in a band class at Cherokee Bluff High School are expected to demonstrate an interest in learning.  Appropriate classroom behavior will guarantee each student the opportunity to make the most of the classroom experience.  A quiet attentive atmosphere will produce the greatest results.  Adherence to school policies will allow the focus to be on the educational objectives, not on the disciplinary procedures resulting from rule infractions.  If there are any questions or concerns regarding class management, they should be handled in a private conference with the teacher, preferable at the conclusion of the class period.