Fairland High School Band
Grade Policy
I.
Class Participation.
Students are required to play in class every day. You will be excused
only for a doctor’s written statement that you are unable to play. Students are
required to have the proper equipment in class each day. Proper equipment is
whatever it takes to play your instrument [Reeds, Valve Oil, Slide Cream,
sticks, mallets, neck straps, mutes, music,
pencil, etc. Broken, chipped, split or otherwise un-playable reeds do not
count! (Example: Lip stick coated reeds) After school rehearsals are part of
your grade. Absences that are not excused will result in grade reduction as
well as suspension from performances. The quality of your participation in
class is evaluated daily. Just being here with your instrument and music is not
enough. Examples of things that will result in grade reduction include the
following: improper posture while playing (legs crossed, not sitting correctly
in chair, incorrect hand position, etc.), missed entrances, lack of preparation for class, excessive noise, disrupting
musical performance, not being in place at the proper time. Proper care of
equipment is required. Percussion equipment must be stored as directed each
day. Instruments are to be in lockers in
the instrument rooms: not on the floor or on countertops. Instruments (Excepting
large perc. Insts.) are not to be left out in the band room at any time. Locks
are available if you want one. You MAY
NOT bring your own.
II. Test
A.
Written test as deemed necessary and
appropriate.
B.
Playing test. You may be asked to
perform a short example during rehearsal, Record an exercise home and/or school.
Chair
auditions are held at the end of football season for all students to determine
chair placement and part assignments for concert band. This test counts one
third (1/3) of your 9 weeks grade. Grades are scaled by your years of
experience playing your instrument. This
test is AFTER SCHOOL.
III . Performances
All full band performances are required of
all students. You will be excused by doctor’s order only. The penalty for
missing any performance is a 2-letter grade reduction for the grading
period. Absence from after school
marching band practice will result in grade reductions as well as suspension
from the half-time performance at that week’s football game. Playing in
pre-game and in the stands is still required. ALL BAND students are required to
perform at school assemblies, pep rallies etc. that the band performs for.
IV. Performance Dress will be:
Ladies~ Black dress pants or skirt, Black or white blouse –NO
PRINTS (must have sleeves),
Black-closed toe dress shoes: No tennis/gym shoes, jeans, sandals, etc will
be permitted. Students who choose not to follow the concert dress code will
have their grades lowered 1 letter per incident.
Gentlemen~ Black dress pants, white dress shirt, tie, black socks,
black dress shoes.
No tennis/gym shoes, jeans, sandals, etc will be
permitted. Students who choose not to follow the concert dress code will have
their grades lowered 1 letter per
incident.
Both men and women may wear all black – Top and Bottom.
IV.
Extra Credit
Extra credit is given for
auditioning for and/or performing with Honor groups such
as
all-county band, all-district band, all state, solo & ensemble
participation etc.
V.
Grades
Grades will be calculated on a
percentage system weekly. Each person begins with 100 points each week.
Reductions will be given as noted above. Unless you are DNCA from the office or
absent from school you must be participating in class to receive your
points. Zeros are recorded for
un-excused absences and or Non-Participation. Please refer to the school attendance policy.
These grades will be recorded as a weekly average each week (incl. partial
weeks). Students absent more than 3
times (or DNCA) will not be given a grade for that week.