Music Grading Rubrics

THMS Instrumental Grading Rubric:

Musicians will be evaluated quarterly & receive a report card grade in Jan. & June.

• 20% Practice Minutes;   Part of this class involves practicing and reviewing various skills on an instrument.  This would be considered your "Band" homework and is a weekly assignment. In order to help keep track of an individual's progress, foster positive practice habits and focus on specific tasks, musicians will be asked to fill out and have a parent/guardian sign a practice chart each cycle. Specific details can be found on the Practice log.  A signed Practice Log is handed in each class and given a quiz grade based on the the total minutes practiced. This is a great way to gather extra-credit :)
  • 7th & 8th Band members should plan on practicing at least 4 times/cycle for @ 10 minutes.
    
    • over 120 minutes/cycle A++ (Bonus points +++)
    • 100 minutes/cycle A+ (Awesome Progress :)
    • 10 minutes x 8 days = 80 min/cycle A (Excellent Progress !!J)
    • 10 minutes x 6 days = 60 min/cycle B (Good Progress !!)
    • 10 minutes x 4 days = 40 min/cycle C (Average Progress)
    • 10 minutes x 2 days = 20 min/cycle D (Slight Progress??)
    • 10 minutes x 0 days = 0 min/cycle F (NO Progress L)
    • not handed in NO Credit
  • 6th Band members should plan on practicing at least 4 times/cycle for @ 5 minutes
    • over 60 minutes/cycle A++ (Bonus points +++)
    • 50 minutes/cycle A+ (Awesome Progress :)
    • 5 minutes x 8 days = 40 min/cycle A (Excellent Progress !!J)
    • 5 minutes x 6 days = 30 min/cycle B (Good Progress !!)
    • 5 minutes x 4 days = 20 min/cycle C (Average Progress)
    • 5 minutes x 2 days = 10 min/cycle D (Slight Progress??)
    • 5 minutes x 0 days = 0 min/cycle F (NO Progress L)
    • not handed in NO Credit

•  20% Major Performance Task; Several times each quarter Mr. A will assign short and specific musical tasks to accomplish & record (your choice -  at home or at school).  These will usually be a short solo or song.

• 20% Minor Performance Tasks; Each cycle Mr. A will assign short and specific musical tasks to accomplish.  Student musicians will be evaluated on their "weekly" growth in these areas (ie. musical assignments not evaluated as a Major performance task. These will include; warm-ups, chromatics, lip slurs, drills, rhythms, scales, book assignments, short full band sections, etc.

• 20%  Physical Tasks;  This category will be based on the nitty gritty of being a musician.  A score of A++ (105 pts.) will be given for various areas with points deducted for each infraction.  Areas to include;  bringing instrument & music to class, having a pencil, having playing supplies available (reeds, oil, sticks...), parking violations, setting up, posture, class participation, cleaning up, etc.

• 20% Concerts/Full Group Performances; Concerts are scheduled throughout the year and are considered an important part of the Instrumental curriculum. Musicians will be evaluated on their; concert etiquette, attendance, behavior, & being prepared musically. It is the responsibility of the musician to inform Mr. A at least 4 weeks prior to any performance of a conflict. Unexcused absences will result in a lose of credit in this area.

THMS Vocal Grading Rubric:

Musicians will be evaluated quarterly & receive a report card grade in Jan. & June.

• 25%  Minor Performance Tasks;  Each cycle there are short musical tasks to accomplish.  Student musicians will be evaluated on their "weekly" growth in these areas (ie. musical assignments not evaluated as a Major performance task, diction, breathing, phrasing, participation, etc.

• 25%  Major Performance Task;  Several times each term Mr. A will assign short and specific musical tasks to accomplish &/or record.  These will usually be a short solo or song section.  Musicians will have the option of recording at school or at home.

• 25%  Physical Tasks;  This category will be based on the nitty gritty physical aspect of being a musician.  A score of A++ (105 pts) will be given for various areas with points deducted for each infraction.  Areas include;  bringing music to class, having a pencil, posture, etc.

• 25%  Concerts/Full Group Performances;  Concerts are scheduled throughout the year and are considered an important part of the Instrumental curriculum.  Attendance is mandatory. It is the responsibility of the musician to inform Mr. A at least 4 weeks prior to any performance of a conflict.  Unexcused absences will result in a lose of credit in this area.  Musicians will be evaluated on their; concert etiquette, attendance, behavior, & being prepared musically.

• Small Group/Solo/Junior Central District;  (Extra credit!!)  During the year Mr. A will offer extra vocal opportunities for extra credit.  These could include singing a solo at a performance, becoming involved in a small "select" group, or auditioning/participating in this year's Junior Central District Festival.  Mr. A is open to suggestions!

 Mr. A prepares practice CD's or tapes to help musicians practice.  Student musicians may bring in a blank CD, tape, ipod or other mp3 player for a free copy. Or even better!!! Musicians can visit Mr. A's web page and either sing-along with your computer! or download the sing-along files!!