Class

Expectations

In our class, we work together to successfully

achieve our goals, learn our instruments, and
consistently perform with musicianship. 
Remember to always:

1.Be silent while the conductor is on the

podium, instructs from another part of the
room, or gives a cut-off sign.  
2.Demonstrate respect, discipline,
musicianship, cooperation, appreciation,
and a strong work ethic.
3.Communicate with academic language in a
respectful manner.
4.Carefully and correctly set-up, play, clean, and
put away your instrument.  Keep the space
you use in the band room clean.
5.Focus on today’s objective by using your
time wisely to work with the class and on your
own.  Keep your cell phone and headphones
put away.
 How will
I be
graded
today?
Your grade will be based upon your ability to reach today’s objective.  

A+  You begin class on time, have music and all needed supplies, and perform well
throughout the period.  You are eager to learn, constantly improving, and positively
impacting the rehearsal. You meet or exceed today’s objective.  You put away your
instrument and clean up your music and supplies at the end of class. You show
responsibility by helping us clean our band room. This may include putting away
another instrument of your type and/or picking up paper on the floor.

A  You meet 90-99% of the A+ requirements.

B You play your assigned instrument and work towards learning and meeting the
objective throughout the entire period.  You were not able to fully meet today’s
objective, but you had shown improvement. You were able to perform at least 80% of
the correct notes, rhythms, dynamics, balance, and/or blend in the music previously
taught.  You clean up your instrument, music, and supplies. 

C  You participate in class.  Your work included at least 70% of the correct notes,
rhythms, bowings, dynamics, balance, and/or blend when performing music
previously taught.  You partially worked to improve performance ability and
demonstrated discipline during at least 70% of the class.

D  You minimally participate in the rehearsal correctly with limited positive impact on
the rehearsal.  You do not ask for help or effectively utilize your practice time.

F  You participate in 59% or less of the rehearsal, and/or poor behavior and
discipline have a negative impact on our class.  

0  You make no attempt to participate in class and play your instrument.

Successful Rehearsal and Practice Strategies
1. Be silent during group instruction, listen, contribute, and
don’t give up.
2. Learn as much as you can on your own. Use your book
and resources to figure out note names, fingerings,
rhythms, musical elements, dynamics, tempo, etc.
3. Create reasonable, attainable goals for yourself during
every rehearsal and practice session.  Examples: Learn 4
new measures of music and include more dynamic
contrast.
4. Practice difficult passages slowly with a metronome.
Once mastery is attained, gradually increase your tempo.
5. Analyze and evaluate your work. What is going well?
What needs improvement? How can you improve?
6. Focus on your expressive goals throughout your practicing
from the beginning of learning new music to the
accomplished stages. Make sure your dynamics reflect
those written in the music.
7. Ask questions and for help from your teacher and each
other.
8. Use every minute of the class to learn, not just when it is
your section’s turn.  Much instrumental learning is
accomplished silently through thinking and analyzing.
9. Practice after-school and/or at home 5-7 days a week for
15-45+ minutes each day.