Grading Policies

_________________________________________________________________________________________________ Here at the Askell Band Program, it is very important that our students grow as musicians and as people. However, we also have to take into account that these are educational courses, and students will receive grades based on a few different factors. The art of music is very unique in that it combines both curricular requirements (work in class, attendance, playing tests) and extra-curricular aspects (football game performances, solo and ensemble, BOA competitions). That being said, the grading rubric for all ensembles is as follows.

Marching Band Playing Tests 50% Playing Tests are weekly exams for students to play a selected excerpt of their marching band show, stand tunes, or scales for an instructor or section leader every week. Students will receive a grade out of 100 for each test, and can re-test two of their lowest if they feel the need to. We believe that if students are not holding themselves accountable to each and every note, then we as a whole cannot achieve our primary goal to be the absolute best.

Performances 40% Performances are the heart of any arts organization, whether it is band, theater, dance, or choir. Without students attending and completing each performance, they will not be achieving their full potential in the activity. The performances for the marching band include all home football games, the UIL Marching Contest, and two BOA competitions. Students will receive grades for attending the performance, having all of their materials to perform (ALL correct uniform parts, reeds, mouthpiece, instruments, sticks). Inspection will be performed by student leadership before the beginning of each football game, and before we leave the band room for competitions. Points will be deducted for each missing part.

Attendance 10% If the students are not here, they cannot learn.

Concert Ensembles (Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble)

Playing Tests 50% Playing Tests are weekly exams for students to play a selected excerpt of their competition music, and scales for an instructor or section leader every week. Students will receive a grade out of 100 for each test, and can re-test two of their lowest if they feel the need to. We believe that if students are not holding themselves accountable to each and every note, then we as a whole cannot achieve our primary goal to be the absolute best.

Performances 40% Performances are the heart of any arts organization, whether it is band, theater, dance, or choir. Without students attending and completing each performance, they will not be achieving their full potential in the activity. The performances for the concert ensembles numerous opportunities depending upon which ensembles they choose to participate in. Students will receive grades for attending the performance, having all of their materials to perform (proper dress, reeds, mouthpiece, instruments, sticks). Concert band does not compete at UIL, but will perform their pieces at both the Pre-UIL and Spring Showcase concerts.

Attendance 10% If the students are not here, they cannot learn.

Extra Credit - If there are students who wish to work towards an extra credit option, there is an opportunity involving a research project in the spring semester that will be directly overseen by the directors. It is recommended for juniors and seniors, but any level of student may attempt it. If you would like more information, see the directors at the beginning of the spring semester.