Grading Policy

Class Participation-30%
o Students are required to attend all in-school rehearsals.
o Weekly sectionals will be throughout the year. Students will be notified of the
sectional schedule at the beginning of each 6 week grading period and therefore
are required to attend.
o Absence Policy:
In the event that a conflict should arise where a student must miss a
sectional, a signed parent note must be submitted in advance and approved
by a director.
Documentation in the case of sickness must be presented.

Performances-20%
o Students are required to play in school concerts. Dates and times can be found in
the school events calendar.
o Students must be passing all of their classes in order to perform in any contests
and concerts. However, attendance to sectionals, rehearsals, and school
performances (besides their own) are still required.
o *UIL and TMEA contests (including solo and ensemble) are required by all
students whose grades meet the criteria.
o All students must be in proper concert attire for performances:
Men: nice black dress pants, button-down white shirts (long-sleeve), and
dress shoes with black socks (no ankle socks or white socks)
Women: Conservative black dresses that fall below the knee and have
quarter-length or long-sleeves. Black dress pants with an appropriate black
blouse are permitted as well. Jewelry (if any) must be tasteful and
appropriate. Closed-toe shoes only.
o Absence Policy:
If a student is unable to attend a concert because of an emergency, they
must fill out an excuse form, which can be found in the directors office,
and hand it in two weeks prior to the concert if at all possible.
Note: this is for emergencies only, unless otherwise approved by the
director.

Playing assessments/Weekly Pass-Offs- 20%

o Students will be required to pass off a set list of items on a weekly basis.
o This list include a checklist consisting of:
Playing fundamentals
Scales
Concert material
Solo/ensemble material
Individual material that needs improvement
o Beginner pass-off material will very slightly from the above list.
o All pass-offs will be given during class, or before/after school with one of the
directors by request
o Failure to turn in a signed pass-off sheet will result in a zero (0) for the week.

Written exams/Concert Review- 10%

o Two (2) written exams will be given. One (1) at the end of each semester.
o Exam material may include:
Basic music theory:
Identification of key signatures, music terms, dynamic markings,
enharmonics.
Composer knowledge from the pieces that were performed that semester.
Instrument knowledge (specific to the player)
o Tuning
o Alternate fingerings
o Basic instrument knowledge (cleaning, equipment, reeds,
etc.)
o Students must attend all performances of their peers and submit at least a one
page essay about the concert a week after attending.
Essay topics may include:
History of a chosen piece or its composer.
Instrumentation/orchestra- discuss qualities featured by the
composer.
Performance critique- discuss tone, rhythmic precision, phrasing,
dynamics, musicality, style, and overall effect.
o Failure to submit an essay results in a zero (0).

Materials-10%
o All materials are required at every rehearsal and/or sectional.
o Materials include:
Instrument and instrument accessories
Music
Organized 3-ring binder with clear page protectors
Pencils
o Failure to bring an item will result in a reduction of the grade.