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Grading Policy

Practice Journals (30%)


Each student is required to keep a "Practice Journal" (provided by faculty). Each week the students will be separated from their respective ensembles in the form of private lessons, or small group sectionals. During this time students will receive specialized instruction, and be given assignments to take home and practice. The assignments will be recorded on both the student's Practice Journal, and the faculty's practice log for accurate record keeping. It is the student's responsibility to practice the assignments listed in their journal before the following lesson/sectional. Each student will then receive a weekly grade on their ability to execute the listed homework assignments they were designated to practice. There will be plenty of opportunities for students to ask for additional help either before or after school.

Exceptions:
Students will be excused from practicing ONLY when: They are ill Their instrument is in the shop (with receipt) There is a death in the family There are unusual circumstances (to be approved by a faculty member)

Incentives:
1. Selection to be a part of an All-Region band. Students weekly practice grades will be waived for the semester with an automatic 100 each week. 2. Selection to be a part of an All-State band. Students weekly practice grades will be waived for the remainder for the year with an automatic 100 each week. 3. Receiving a 1st division on either a solo or ensemble: Class I Weekly practice grades will be waived for the remainder for the year with an automatic 100 each week.

Class II - Weekly practice grades will be waived for half of the semester with an automatic 100 each week. 4. Attending professional bands, orchestra, or preapproved performances will give students extra credit towards their practicing grade. Students will need to prove their attendance with a signed program from a parent or guardian. **Remember, nothing will take the place of daily practice!! These are simply fun and positive ways to reward the students for their accomplishments.

Daily Rehearsal/Participation

(40%)

Bring all materials to class (music, instrument, pencil, reeds, mouthpiece, drumsticks, practice pads etc.) Perform to the best of your abilities Listen while others are speaking Play at appropriate times Talk at appropriate times Participation in group discussions

Students are also required to attend additional sectionals upon request.

Performances

30%

Students are required to attend every performance on the performance calendar. The students must attend wearing their concert attire (defined by the ensemble they are participating in). Students must arrive early to call time with all of their materials (music, instrument, pencil, reeds, mouthpiece, drumsticks etc.) It is required that the students stay and participate throughout the entire performance. *Attendance can be waived (with approval of a faculty member) if there is a death in the family or an unusual circumstance. It is important that you communicate with the faculty as soon as possible in order for the ensemble to make the needed changes.

Ensemble notes
Each semester the students will audition for various ensembles. In addition, every quarter the students will be given a chair test within the ensemble. CHAIR PLACEMENT DOES NOT AFFECT THE STUDENT'S GRADE. Every music student is required to participate in both marching and concert band in order to participate in small ensembles and region auditions.

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