Mr.

De Lens Band Grading Policy

Each student will be working toward a goal of excellence each grading period. The band
grade will come from five different areas:

Performances: 30%

Students will attend all concerts, sectionals, contests and football games listed in
the band calendar. This also includes performances that are announced at least 2 weeks in
advance of the performance date.

Live performances
Marching season (August-December)
- Music pass-offs for a director
- Marching fundamental drills
- Region Day performances
- Scale tests

Concert Season (January-June)
- Music pass-offs for a director
- Solo and Ensemble day performances
- Scale tests

These performance tests will be called with only one or two days before the
assessment. There will be significantly more live performance tests than recorded tests,
and will feature the student playing along or in small groups. Students will be selected at
random on live playing test days. Absences during these tests will result in a 0 for that
test.

It is absolutely essential that all members are present at all performances. We work
together as a team. When even one person is absent, the entire ensemble is affected and
virtually incomplete.

Excused absences for required performances include only:
Serious Illness (A doctors note would be needed in order to excuse)
Family emergency (A parent phone call would be needed in order to excuse)

Excused absences will be made up through special arrangements as determined by the
head director. Any other excuses will not be taken. Unexcused absences will not be made
up. Failure to attend a required performance will bear heavily against the students
overall grade.








Recorded performance tests: 15%

In a recorded performance test, students are given the opportunity to take multiple
attempts of a certain musical skill. The student will then submit this recording to the band
director. These recordings can be taken at the Smart music station in the music building.

Marching Season
- Recordings of section(s) music
- Recordings of a music practice session (3 minimum)

Concert Season
- Recordings of section(s) of music
- Recordings of a music practice session (5 minimum)

Written Self Evaluations: 15%

Students will be asked throughout the school year (August-May) to submit a total
of 4 evaluations of their recorded practice sessions. Each evaluation will have a prompt
specific to what the student was asked to record. The student will compose a short essay
no more than 1 page double space. Keep in mind that you will be graded not only on the
content, but also grammar.

Musical Performance Review: 15%

Students will be required to do a performance review of one musical event per
semester. Musical events such as Theater, Choir, Band, or any other live (pre-approved)
music on campus may be counted in this category. Students who wish to attend an off
campus event will need to have the event approved by the director in order to receive full
credit. Students will submit a 1 page double space concert review detailing the who,
what, when, and where along with a list of the repertoire that was performed (a program
or ticket stub could also work).

Materials check: 25%

Throughout the semester students will be asked to provide evidence of proper
materials for their instrument and practice needs at home and school. These checks will
occur with little to no warning and are at the directors discretion.

Materials that may be checked at any time
Pencil with eraser (we do not use pens in music class)
Instrument condition (cleanliness/functionality)
Music binder (with appropriate method book, concert/marching music,
flip folder (during marching season), and region music. The binder must
be in order to receive full credit)
Mouthpiece or reed condition




Students will also need the following accessories according to their instrument:

Flutes, piccolos
Cleaning rod and swab
Cloth (washcloth or old t-shirt)
Clarinets, low reeds
Box of reeds
Cork grease
Cleaning swab
Saxophones
Box of reeds
Cleaning swab
Cloth (washcloth or old t-shirt)



Trumpets, Horns, Euphoniums and
Tubas
Valve oil/Rotor oil
Slide Grease
Cloth (washcloth/old t-shirt)
Trombones
Slide cream
Slide grease/water bottle
Cloth (washcloth/old t-shirt)
Percussion
Snare sticks
Bell Kit
Specific brands and accessory specifics were given to the parents during the band
drive. A secondary copy will be given to each student on the first day of school.

Students who arrive late to class without a proper pass may receive a 0 if the
materials check has been completed prior to their arrival.

Late work

In the case of late work students will be deducted 5% per day late, and after 5
days (MondayFriday) assignment will be counted as a 0

A tentative schedule will be given to every student during the first day of school. If
any major changes arise the students will be notified in advance. Please contact the
head band director with any questions or concerns.

If any comments or questions arise, please schedule a conference or email the
director with your concerns. We are here to help our students have great musical
experiences.


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Parent Signature Date

__________________________ ___________________________
Student Signature Date