Photiades, Erica - 6th

  • Grading Policies for 6th grade orchestra

    Posted by Erica Photiades at 8/13/2011 2:25:00 PM

    Grading Policies for 6th Grade Orchestra Classes

     

    All grades in 6th grade orchestra are assigned with the intent to help your child improve as a musician and succeed in the class.  I want your child to ENJOY what they are doing and continue in our program for many years! My website will be frequently updated to include important information about concerts, special events and field trips. It is also where students can download or access homework assignments.

     

    Here is a summary of typical grades that will be assigned in the orchestra classroom during the marking period:

     

    Practice Category (30% of overall Grade)

    Student preparation for class: The majority of the grade comes from class participation: Does the student come to class prepared to play our music? Do they show a willingness to improve and seek out help when they need it? Are they a team player who supports the orchestra and band as a whole? Because the success of the whole orchestra depends on the cooperation of all its individuals, point deductions may be taken if a student disrupts class repeatedly or is continuously off-task during class time.

     

    Weekly Practice Spots: Every week, I will post weekly practice spots on my website for students to practice. The purpose is for students to become more responsible in their at home practice and to help with their preparations for class. Students must bring these practice spots in at the beginning of every week to receive credit. Grading for practice spots: On time =10 points, One day late=9 points, Two days late=7 points, Three days late=5 points

     

    Students may print the practice spots off the website or copy them down by hand to show me. If a student is unable to access the practice spots but has a valid reason, I will waive the deductions when the student is able to show me the practice spots.

     

    Application (30% of overall grade): The orchestra student applies the knowledge he or she has learned in the classroom.  I feel that the student performance or concert is the best indicator of skill application. In marking periods where there is no concert, I use the application category for assignments such as music theory worksheets, or other musical tests.

     

    Concerts: Concerts are assigned a grade of 100 points. This grade requires the student to show up at call time (usually 30 minutes prior to the start of the concert), in uniform, and with their music and instrument. They are also expected to use appropriate concert etiquette and be respectful during the concert. Students are expected to stay until the completion of the concert, unless there is a schedule conflict. Students who come to the concert unprepared or who do not exhibit proper concert behavior will receive a point deduction. Students who do not attend the concert receive a 0 unless the absence is excused by the parent. Families who know in advance of an absence must notify me in writing at least 2 weeks before the concert. Students who are excused will be given an alternative assignment to make up the concert.

     

    Evaluation (40% of overall grade):

    Playing tests: Students will be given playing assignments on a regular basis to test their skill knowledge. Students will have a week to prepare. Typical playing tests are on scales or small sections of music.

     

    Chair Tests: Students will prepare sections of their music and audition for their seating placement in orchestra. Typical chair tests involve playing a scale and small sections (excerpts) of their music. Tests will be tallied up in point order to determine seating, but students will be given 100% as a grade for their effort in preparing for the chair test. Students will have the opportunity to re-audition for chairs at the start of each new concert cycle. 

     

    Concert Reflections: Students answer questions reflecting on their performance in our concert.

     
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