| Class/Rehearsals 30% | Individual Practice/Sectionals 5% |
| Performances 30% | Projects 10% |
| Tests 25% |
| A+ | 100+ | B+ | 89-88 | C+ | 79-78 | D+ | 69-68 |
| A | 99-93 | B | 87-83 | C | 77-73 | D | 67-63 |
| A- | 92-90 | B- | 82-80 | C- | 72-70 | D- | 62-60 |
| F | Below | 60 |
Class/Rehearsals
If you miss a rehearsal, you are responsible for the loss, since work
can only be done in class as a group. A written note is required to be
given to
the director before missing a rehearsal. With the exception of one
absence, students lose points with each absence or tardy. Points can be
made up by doing more work (see Points). It is
the student's responsibility to clear absences through the attendance
office. Excessive absences or nonparticipation will lead to a lower
grade. Students who are tardy or absent must get the information
discussed in class from a classmate or see the teacher outside of class
time. Students will be required to bring a notebook or binder paper
everyday to class in order to take
notes on concepts. Written work will be assigned regularly to reinforce
or
supplement concepts discussed in class.
Performances
Attendance at performances will constitute a large portion of each
student's grade. If a student is unable to attend a performance, the
student must bring a note signed by a parent or guardian to the
director no later than two weeks prior to the performance .
This allows for time to adjust instrumentation and shift parts in order
to cover the absent student's part. The student will
receive half credit for that activity and must make up remaining credit
by
doing extra work. Acceptable make up work for an excused absence
for a performance may include taking an extra solo, duet, trio, or
quartet exam, seeing a wind band concert and writing a two-page
critique, or attending extra sectionals at lunch, depending on the
performance missed.
If a student does not show up for a performance, except in the case of
a medical or family emergency, the student will receive zero credit for
that activity. No make up will be allowed. One person's absence affects
the outcome of an entire performance. Timely communication is
essential.
Students who miss the last rehearsal within the 24-hour period before a
performance will not be allowed to perform. In the past, students who
have
missed the last rehearsal before a performance and then showed up have
made
it more difficult for their peers to perform well and have compromised
the
quality of the overall performance. Students miss vital information.
The
performance schedule is printed in May of the previous school year.
Students
are responsible for notifying their parents, guardians, and employers
so
that schedule conflicts may be avoided. Timely communication is
essential.
Tests
Playing and written tests will be given periodically to evaluate
students' progress. Playing tests will be done in small groups or
individually on
music or concepts studied in class. Written tests will be based on
concepts
discussed and taught in class. Tests and quizzes can be made up
(preferably outside of class time), but it is the student's
responsibility to make the arrangements with the teacher.
Individual
Practice/Sectionals
Practice is an essential part of students' homework. Students
are expected to practice 20-30 minutes daily, for a minimum of 100
minutes per week. Practice records, which must be signed by parents,
guardians, or the music director, will be kept periodically in order to
monitor students’ practice time outside of class. Room 708 is open and
available during lunch and after school for students to practice.
Students who practice regularly and effectively will do better on
performance quizzes and tests.
Projects
Students will perform solo or in small ensembles each quarter.
Students will make recordings of solo pieces or excerpts each year.
Students will be required to create multimedia projects integrating
music and technology as part of their grade. Examples include slide
shows, web sites, & publications.
Extra credit
Required work must be turned in before extra credit will be given.
Students who wish to make up work missed may complete extra credit
assignments such as those listed below. Alternate assignments may be
created as the need arises.
Listening Journal (up to 10 points per week)
The listening journal should contain entries of Renaissance, Baroque,
Classical, Romantic, or 20th Century music, including the date, time,
title of piece, composer, conductor, and ensemble. The purpose of the
listening journal is to encourage students to listen to music which
they may not normally hear so that they may become more open-minded
musicians.
Extra Vivace Performances (up to 25 points each)
Students may play and tape record extra solo music, at their skill
level or higher, for extra credit. Music chosen must be approved by the
director in advance.
Expectations
Classroom:
1. Take care of your instrument (name on case, stored in case in proper
storage areas, no books or other items not meant for your instrument
case
in your case, no trading of instruments without the permission of the
director)
2. Be in the classroom by the time the bell rings
3. Be seated, with instrument in working order, ready to play (valves
oiled, slides and corks greased, 3 extra reeds, extra snare drum
sticks) by 2 minutes after the bell rings
4. Have pencil and music on music stand
5. Have a notebook or binder paper to take notes on concepts discussed
in class
6. No food, gum, or drinks during rehearsal or performance (except for
water)
7. Keep the room clean
a. keep a lock on your instrument locker, keep your locker clean &
organized
b. use the garbage can and appropriate recycle bins
c. music should be stored neatly in folders and folders should be
stored
neatly in the crates
8. Follow podium etiquette
a. give your undivided attention to the person on the podium
b. be quiet when other sections are being rehearsed or when
explanations
are given
9. Learn something new everyday (make daily progress)
10. Play your best everyday ("You may not not participate.")
11. Pack up when dismissed by the director, not the bell.
Performance:
1. Dress appropriately for performances (refer to dress standards
outlined for each performance situation)
2. Meet on time and in the right place for performances
3. Sign the sign-in sheet to get full credit for being on time
4. Be seated in concert order by the assigned time for concerts
5. Have instrument in working order, ready to play
6. Have pencil and music ready
7. Plan ahead to make up work for other classes if the performance is
during school time (or during a school night)
8. Conduct yourself in a manner that proudly represents American (All
school rules will be in effect in performance situations)
9. Relax!!
10. No food, gum, or drinks during a performance (except for water)
unless specifically instructed to do so by the director!!
Points
Points may be earned in the following ways:
+10 Class participation and effort
+10 Permission slip in on time
+25 After school or dress rehearsal (full effort and participation)
+50 Performance attendance, effort, and participation
+25 Oral report on a composer (must receive teacher pre-approval
before starting the research for the report)
+10 Written report on a live music performance
+5 Play music with the director for 30 minutes (you are encouraged to
approach the director in pairs of groups in order to save time - 5
points will be distributed
to each student, no matter how many, in a 30-minute time period.)
various class and homework assignments, depending
on length, depth, and breadth of the assignment
Points may be lost in the following ways:
<>-10 Absent from class-50 Unexcused absence from performance
-25 Excused absence from performance (wrritten, signed note needed 2
weeks in advance)
-20 Tardy to performance
-20 Instrument not prepared for performaance
-10 Improper appearance at performance ((uniform incomplete or music
missing)
-10 Improper uniform care (not worn or hhung up correctly)**
Respect
All students have the right to learn in a safe, supportive, educational
environment. In order to maintain this, students must treat each other
and
the director with respect. Lack of respect for fellow human beings or
for
the music we study will not be tolerated. Respect others' property and
personal
space. Laugh with, not at, others. Listen to others because we all have
something unique to contribute to the learning process. Follow
directions.
Consequences
Students who fail to obey the rules will face one or more of the
following consequences:
| 1. Removal from rehearsal | 4. Detention |
| 2. Grade lowered | 5. Parent conference |
| 3. Special assignments | 6. Removal from music program |
Conduct unbecoming a band member (foul language, fighting, verbal abuse, damaging school or personal property, smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, etc.) will lead to the student(s) being barred from performing and being sent home at their parents' expense. Police involvement and reparation may be necessary, depending on the severity of the behavior.
Communicate with each other and the director.
Prepare your part. If you would like help, go to a fellow
student
or to the director and schedule a time where you can work together. If
even one student neglects this responsibility, it affects the entire
group.
Represent yourself, your music department, and your school with
pride and honor.
Support your music department in all musical, fund raising, and
community activities.
Memorize your marching and solo music. You will look and sound
much more confident when the music is under your fingers instead of
blocking your view.
The success of any group depends on the willingness of its members
to
cooperate with each other and the director. Involvement in a musical
organization
includes simultaneous cooperation and participation to create a product
that
is more than the individual parts - music. The joy of music comes from
the
creation of something that transcends words. Music allows participants
to
express themselves in a very special way by moving others.
By understanding the rules and procedures outlined above, we may
quickly
move on to the making of music. In the process of learning about music,
students, will also learn about responsibility, sensitivity to others,
self-direction, and self-esteem. Success in the music classroom may
give students confidence and inspire them to reach higher goals in
other areas of life.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at
school
- 510-796-1776.
Sincerely,
Richard F. Wong
Music Director
Please keep the above document and return the portion below by September 12
I have read and understand the American High School Band Grading
Policy for the 2008-2009 school year and agree to abide by it.