Clinton Middle School Band

Please review carefully this carefully. The grading policy has changed from past years.

In band at CMS, a student’s final grade is determined by combining his/her scores based on the following categories:

This grade is based on a student’s willingness to participate in class (willingness to answer questions, give playing examples, etc.) and the example they set as far as classroom behavior. A student’s grade can be lowered if the student fails to have his instrument or other necessary materials in class (-5 points per occurrence).

In the place of practice records, students will take a weekly playing or written quiz for a homework grade. For playing quizzes, students will perform an excerpt of music and receive a grade based on accuracy and mastery. Written quizzes are take-home review sheets given before a written in-class test.

Tests/Final Exam and Concert: This portion is worth 40% of the student’s final average.

Tests: During each 9 weeks period, students will be given a playing test, which will test their mastery of certain skills learned over the course of the grading period. 6^th and 7^th graders will be given a series of written tests (one per nine weeks period) to determine knowledge of musical vocabulary, musical signs, and rhythm comprehension.

Concert: In each grading period, students will receive a grade for participation. Everyone who participates automatically gets a ‘100’. Failure to attend will result in a ‘0’ for the concert portion of the grade. (This equals approximately 15 to 20 points off the final 9 weeks average!!)

Important: All concerts are held after school hours. Concert dates will be announced as soon as possible. If a student cannot be present at a concert, written notification from a parent at least two weeks prior to the concert date must be given to Mr. Bibbs. Last minute emergencies and serious illness will of course be considered. Please remember that the performance is the goal of all our work every day in band, and when one person is missing, for any reason, it takes away from the band as a whole.

Participation	30%
Homework	30%
Tests/Concerts	40%
Total Grade	100%

Practice Records: The easiest way for students to earn extra credit is through practice records. Students may pick up a practice record sheets from the bandroom or print them out from the website. To receive credit, a student needs to complete a form, have his/her parent/guardian sign the bottom, and place it in the practice record box the first school day of the week. For every hour of practice listed on the form, the student will receive ½ a point on their final average.

Public Concerts: Other extra credit opportunities include attending public musical performances (however, any concert not announced in class must be approved by a director). To receive extra credit for a concert, a student must attend an approved concert and get the concert program signed by Mr. Bibbs or Mr. Taylor (no signature is required for collegiate and professional concerts). The amount of extra credit students earn from attending a concert is based on the skill level of the performing group (CMS or CHS bands, collegiate, or professional) and whether there is an admission cost. A list of “pre-approved” concerts is listed in the bandroom.