Grading and Assesment

Individual and ensemble assessment in Band


The key to a successful ensemble is a collective understanding of individual responsibility for the final product.

Student assessment in either Wind Ensemble and Concert Band includes both assessment of the individual and assessment of the ensemble, of which the student is a vital component. Individual performance and ensemble performance are interdependent and must be evaluated as such. The overall goal of an ensemble is to give an outstanding public performance; therefore, if the group is to be successful, each student must perform and prepare to the best of his or her ability. This includes individual practice and preparation, much of which takes place outside of rehearsals (i.e. homework/practicing). Individual assessment is accomplished primarily by individual playing exams, and by assessing the student’s contribution to the ensemble. An ensemble will be given a grade for performances and each member of the ensemble will receive that grade as 30% of their individual grade. A student must be in attendance at a performance to get the ensemble grade points. Ensemble assessment is done through a variety of means, including adjudications in concerts and at festivals, and self assessments.

Individual assessment

A student's grade will be based on the following:

1. The student’s grade for the playing exams as assessed by Mt. Ararat Playing Exam Rubrics (50%).
2. The student’s individual contribution to the band assessed by the Habits of Work (20%).
3. Ensemble performance grade - a student must be in attendance at a performance to get the ensemble grade points (30%). Excused absences must be made up (see Make-Up Policy).

Ensemble assessment
The ensemble assessment will be done in several ways. The entire ensemble is given a performance grade for each public performance or designated rehearsal. Rehearsals and concerts are frequently taped and reviewed by the director and by the students in the ensemble. Outside experts are used to evaluate the band during rehearsals and /or performances. This could mean judges at festivals or guest adjudicators evaluating the band at a regular concert, festival, or workshop. Ensemble assessments by students, the band director, and guest adjudicators are accomplished using the Mt. Ararat Ensemble Rating Rubric.

Band grading policy


Performances and rehearsals outside of class are a normal function of each performance ensemble class. Every student is required to participate in all scheduled functions. It is for this reason that unexcused absence from a performance will result in a grade of zero for that performance.

It should be understood that rehearsals are for full ensemble preparation (i.e. style, phrasing, balance), not for the learning of notes and rhythms in individual parts. Individual parts must be prepared by students during individual practice time. Time requirements for practice at home depends upon the individual. The goal is to be prepared for each rehearsal.


Playing exams - All students will be assessed individually twice during each grading period. In order to do this, a student will either play in person for Mr. Graffam or record and then submit the exam electronically. The student will be asked to play a previously announced section of band music that has been rehearsed during that grading period and will be assessed based on the posted Playing Exam Rubric.

Excused absences - If you miss a performance and it is excused, you must make up the time to receive a grade for that missed performance. Excused absence make-up work is due the same marking period that the missed performance occurred. A Request for Excused Absence Form must be filled out and submitted to Mr. Graffam at least two weeks prior to the performance.

Ensemble grades - Each member of the ensemble will receive an ensemble grade for each performance. This is the grade that the overall ensemble receives for it’s performance. All students receive the same ensemble grade. A student must be in attendance at a performance to get the ensemble grade points. Excused absences must be made up (see Make-Up Policy).


Performance make-up policy


If you miss a performance and it is excused, you must make up the time to receive a grade for that missed performance. Excused absence make-up work is due the same marking period that the missed performance occurred. A form must be filled out and submitted to the director during that marking period to request consideration of a missed performance to be excused. This form must be completed two weeks in advance of the missed performance. A form can be obtained from your director or online.

Reasons for an excused absence will include such things as:

  • Major family vacation planned prior to the posting of performance dates. We do ask, however, that you try to rearrange if at all possible.
  • Family emergencies will come up and in most cases with little or no warning. When that happens, please send a letter (or call the director if it is within 24 hours of the performance) explaining the situation and then complete the required form as soon as possible.

Absences that will not be excused (includes the following, but not limited to):

  • Notice is late (less than two weeks in advance), in which the director is unable to prepare the ensemble adequately.
  • Work (job) is never an excuse. You have a rehearsal and performance schedule in advance.
  • Participation in extra-curricular events, including athletic contests.
  • Non-school related activities
  • NO NOTICE GIVEN PRIOR TO ABSENCE (except emergencies).


Make-up work - Make-up work must be completed within the marking period that the absence from the performance.

Make-up work may also consist of:

  • Performing the music that was played at the concert for Mr. Graffam
  • Attending an approved concert and writing an evaluation of that concert and performance. Include with the written evaluation a copy of the program signed by your parent and you as the student.
  • Other arrangements with your director.



Individual and ensemble assessment in Chorus


The key to a successful ensemble is a collective understanding of individual responsibility and accountability for the final product. Student assessment in either Concert Choir, Treble Choir, or Chamber Singers includes both assessment of the individual and assessment of the ensemble, of which the student is a vital component. Individual performance and ensemble performance are interdependent and must be evaluated as such. The overall goal of an ensemble is to give an outstanding public performance. Therefore, if the group is to be successful, each student must perform and prepare to the best of his or her ability. This includes individual practice and preparation, some of which can take place outside of rehearsals (i.e. score study, rehearsing individual parts with tapes). Individual assessment is accomplished primarily by choral exams, secondarily by solo or small ensemble performance during rehearsal, and by assessing the student's contribution to the ensemble. Attendance at performances is also required. Ensemble assessment is done through a variety of means, including adjudications in concerts and at festivals, and self assessments.

Individual assessment - A student's semester grade will be based on the following:

1. The student's grade for the choral exams as assessed by Mt. Ararat Choral Exam Rubric (20% each semester).
2. The student's individual contribution to the choir assessed by the Work Habits Rubric (40% each semester).
3. Attendance at all required performances (40% each semester).
Note: As choral exams do not occur during first and third quarters, individual contribution and attendance each account for 50% of the grade during those two quarters.

Ensemble assessment - The ensemble assessment will be done in several ways. First, rehearsals and concerts are frequently taped and reviewed by the director and by the students in the ensemble. Outside experts are used to evaluate the choir during rehearsals and /or performances. This could mean judges at festivals or guest adjudicators evaluating the choir at a regular concert, festival, or workshop. Ensemble assessments by students, the choral director and guest adjudicators are accomplished using the Mt. Ararat Ensemble Rating Rubric.

Chorus Grading Policy


A student's semester grade will be based on the following:

1. The student's grade for the choral exam (20%) as assessed by Mt. Ararat Choral Exam Rubric
2. The student's individual contribution to the choir (40%) as assessed by the Mt. Ararat Individual Contribution Rubric
3. Attendance at all required performances (40%).
4. Extra credit

1. Individual contribution to the choir - A student's individual contribution to the choir will be assessed using the Individual Contribution Rubric. It assesses individual score study and tape rehearsal time (30 minutes per week is the goal), rehearsal concentration, rehearsal preparedness and punctuality, posture, effort and energy, and respect for school property/equipment.

2. Choral exams - All students will be assessed in quartets or trios once each semester. The student will be asked to sing with a small ensemble a portion of the choral repertoire that has been rehearsed during that semester. The student will be given a grade based on the posted Choral Exam Rubric. These exams will take place during class time, during the weeks of the school's mid-term and final exams.

3. Students may earn extra credit points - Extra credit points are awarded for extra help sessions with Ms. Thomas, for performing in outside musical ensembles, or for other extra musical activities that have a significant musical benefit for the student as determined by the director.

4. Excused absences from required performances must be made up - An alternative performance opportunity will be assigned any student who has missed a required performance due to a previously approved, excused absence.

Choral music expectations


1. Student expectations - Students are expected to:

a. be present and on time for all rehearsals and performances;
b. bring assigned folders/music and pencils to rehearsals;
c. act with courtesy toward other students and teachers;
d. keep school property (folders, music, robes, furniture,sound equipment, etc.) in good condition;
e.. be prepared to participate in all events during rehearsals;
f. learn the repertoire and be a contributing member of the choir, seek extra help when needed.

2. Student behavior - Students are expected to exhibit proper rehearsal behavior, which includes:

a. listening when the teacher or another student is talking;
b.using appropriate posture for good vocal production;
c. sitting in appropriate sections or assigned seating;
d. avoiding eating food and gum chewing at all times;
f.. focusing on the music, not material from another class.

3. Grading - Grades are based on student participation, attitude and behavior during rehearsals and performances, mid-year and final exams, improvement of vocal skills throughout the school year, and extra work outside of class.

4. Performances - Students are expected to attend all performances. An unexcused absence will cause their rank to be lowered by one whole letter grade. Appropriate concert attire is required (black and whites, robes and stoles).

5. Discipline - The following steps will be taken for disciplinary situations:

a. warning, after class discussion with teacher;
b. parent contact and discussion;
c. administrative referral;
d. parent-student-teacher-administrator conference.

Assessment rubrics


Band

Playing Exam Rubric - woodwind and brass

Playing Exam Rubric - percussion

Work Habits Rubric

Ensemble Rating Rubric - band

Chorus

Choral Exam Rubric

Individual Contribution Rubric - choral music

Ensemble Rating Rubric - chorus


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