2006-07 MCHS Choral Music Grading System [Please read carefully]

This point system for grading choral students is based on Skill Development, Effort, Attitude, Behavior, Participation, Attendance, and Pre-Concert and Event Evaluation. Talent is not a consideration. Points are accumulated over time. Interim grades at mid term usually fall in the C to B range. In this grading system, point accumulation is a work in progress. Students have not had enough time to earn all potential points by midterm. A grade of C or B at midterm represents above average to well above average progress.

Merely “showing up” each day will not guarantee a passing grade in CHOIR. Please read the following point information carefully.

Grading Scale

93-100 A

85-92 B

77-84 C

70-76 D

below 70 F

All Students begin with base grade of 40 points. Students may earn added points to their beginning base grade in each of the following categories:

Skill Development ………………………………………………...…………………………...……………..Up to 15 points

The following is expected from each student daily: interest, concentration, focus, attention to detail, energy, mastery of choral fundamentals, concept development, good posture, bring assigned sheet music to class, a pencil, music memorization, participation in class discussions, turn in assignments, concert preparation, development of self-confidence, punctuality, eagerness to learn, vocal growth, growth in musicianship, deportment, evidence of “excellence as a standard”.

The Big FIVE POINT “Any Time” Contributions to the choir…….………………………………...…Up to 20 points total

EFFORT (try hard All of the time), ATTITUDE (Be ready to learn, contribute, and

support your classmates daily), BEHAVIOR (display control at all times), PARTICIPATION (Every day is expected to be a productive day for the class. Participation is mandatory)

Attendance….…………………………………………………………………………………………………Up to 20 points

ATTENDANCE (We are a performance-based organization. We develop strength in our dependency on each other. I expect all students to attend all rehearsals, concerts, and required choral functions. You will hard-pressed to do well in this class if you miss required events)

Pre-Concert and Event Evaluations ………………………...………………………………………………Up to 5 points

Student will be tested in small ensembles, quartets, or individually. These evaluations may be announced or unannounced. Students are expected to master and memorize all concert music. Good concert preparation is easily evident.

Attendance Policy:

All chorus students are expected to attend all choral functions. Scheduled performances and extra rehearsals are mandatory.

Illness:

If a student is sick or has an emergency I require a written explanation from a doctor, parent, or guardian on the first day back to school after the absence. I will not ask for the explanation. The student is responsible for bringing it to me that first day back. No note will warrant and unexcused absence.

Make-Up Work

If a student misses a concert, it is impossible to recreate that exact grading opportunity. Therefore, concert make-up work will be research-based pertaining to the missed performance or may include required attendance at an area secondary or professional concert of the director’s choosing. Written work will be assigned pertaining to this event. Research assignments will be made as soon as possible after the absence. All research will be due 10 school days from day the assignment is made. This assignment is at the discretion of the director.

Social Functions

Choir social functions like the Welcome Party or Holiday Party are not required, however, most students choose to participate in these events. I will let students know in advance which events are required and which ones are not. If you’re not sure, ask.