How do I earn my grade in Band?
Point Scale:
- 500 = Performances (In-School and Out of School)
- 50 = Completed Passoffs
- 25 = Weekly Passoff Attempts
- 20 = Written Assignments
- 25 = Weekly Participation and Preparedness
Performances outside of the school day are graded as part of the curriculum. Please see the Band Calendar for events and assignments. Performances are the largest grades of the 9 weeks, when they have concerts. If a performance is added to the schedule a minimum of 4 weeks notice will be given.
Rehearsal Participation & Contribution:
Grades are earned by meeting the Classroom Responsibilities and Expectations. Students can earn points weekly for putting forth their best effort and for contributing to the productivity of the rehearsal. By working together as an ensemble and maintaining an energized focus, we can achieve a high standard of musicianship that will define Wolf Lake’s Band.
Points can be deducted for each occurrence of the following:
- Tardiness
- Talking when they are not supposed to
- Chewing gum
- Not playing their instrument or not having their instrument
- Not actively participating
- Disrespectful attitude towards students, teachers, guests, or administrators
- Poor playing posture
- Missing music
- Causing distraction
- Other things that may be added at the discretion of the director
Band is a co-curricular performance-based class. Therefore, band students must attend rehearsals and performances beyond regular school hours. Every effort will be made to advise you of any changes to the announced rehearsal schedule well in advance so that you may plan your time effectively. These extra rehearsals will be kept to a minimum to be respectful of your time.
Reasons why attendance at rehearsals is important:
- Students will gain new information
- Rehearsal is part of an ongoing development of one’s physical and mental conditioning
- Every member of an ensemble must be present to work on blend, balance, and precision
- The group will not have to waste rehearsal time teaching the material from the previous rehearsal.
- The morale of the group is uplifted.
- The culture of the ensemble is built and reinforced.
- The community creates a possibility of flow
- The student missing a rehearsal can fall out of touch with the group’s goals.
- We may have a guest clinician come in to work on new techniques not yet addressed in a regular class.
ABSENCE FROM REHEARSAL: band students will not be excused from rehearsals except in cases of extreme emergency or illness. Work, appointments, detention, meetings, homework, vacations, etc. will not be valid excuses for missing a rehearsal. A written note from the parent/ guardian is due upon the student’s return from any excused absence due to an emergency. A doctor’s note is due upon the student’s return from any excused absence due to illness. If you anticipate an unavoidable absence from rehearsal, please submit a written request to the director for approval two weeks before the absence. Those on athletic teams/clubs should communicate their practice/game/meeting schedule with Mr. Kelly before the season begins to find a workable compromise. I am thrilled to have students involved in many activities at Wolf Lake and believe strongly that you should have the opportunity to participate in all you can! Communication is the key!
Performance Attendance and Contribution: Grades are earned by being present, on time, in proper uniform, and participating positively and fully. Points can be deducted for each occurrence of the following: tardiness, not in a full band uniform, inappropriate behavior, or lack of musical focus. Mark your calendars now for the concerts and MPA dates which are the required performances in the band. Please do not plan a vacation during school time; missing classes and concerts can have a negative effect on your musician’s grade. If getting a ride to these performances might be a problem, arrange a ride you can count on, or let Mr. Kelly know at least a week in advance so that she can help you find a ride. There are 250 kids in the band, chances are one lives near you!
Reasons why attendance at performances is IMPORTANT:
- Students will see the result of months of hard work
- Students will create memorable memories
- Every student is vital to the success of the performance. There are NO substitutes that can tag in to play their part. Missing a performance negatively impacts the group, as throughout the rehearsal process we balance and blend with every member of the ensemble.
- PERFORMING IS FUN!
ABSENCE FROM PERFORMANCE: Performances are a large part of the student’s band grade. Any absence which is not brought to the Director’s attention for approval two weeks prior to the performance will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences from performances result in a zero for that grade. Students with an excused absence from performance may make up that part of their grade by completing a project agreed upon by the director. If you anticipate an unavoidable absence from the performance this year, please submit a written request to the director for approval right away.
Any excuse given within two weeks of performance (with the exception of emergencies) will be considered unexcused. In the case of an emergency, parents should call the band office at 407-464-3317 ext 5292207.
Quizzes and Assignments
A student's overall grade will be an average of the grades for all written and oral quizzes and assignments. Some examples of this might include music theory assignments, playing tests, music writing prompts, music dictation, and composition. The purpose of these activities is to reinforce concepts that have been identified through band music. Students will be given the opportunity to complete passoffs in person in class or before school on specific days or they can record a passoff and upload it on Canvas.
EXTRA CREDIT! Students can earn extra credit for attending ANY performing arts event on or off our campus. Just bring in the program and briefly tell me about your experience!
- 8th Graders in the fall can complete an “Apopka Marching Band Scavenger Hunt” by going to a rehearsal at AHS and completing the tasks on the sheet.