Orchestra
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NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA GRADING POLICY
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"It is the philosophy of the Music Department
that grades should reflect the effort, ability, attitude and
visible dedication that each student demonstrates on a
consistent daily basis in a particular ensemble."
A positive attitude is the underlying ingredient necessary
to the success of each ensemble and in turn each member of
that ensemble. In reading the Nogales High School Music
Department Grading Policy, one finds principles that serve
as benchmarks for a positive attitude. One must leave one's
"ego at the door and become a team player" approaching "all
new music" and ideas "with an open mind, seeing each as an
opportunity to learn." An individual "acts as a professional
when rehearsing and performing, and does not thrive on
complaining or finding fault with the direction or
leadership of the ensemble, or the efforts of its members,"
but rather "employs creative thinking skills to solve
problems or voice concerns" with respect and care. We must
work together to achieve success together, and what better
way is there than through music? In a very real way this
process of music making is a metaphor for making our way
through life with our fellows.
The orchestra grading policy is based on a 100-point system
that includes the following components (please note, your
grade is cumulative over the semester and the final semester
grade represents calculations based on the entire semester):
I. Daily Attendance: Total of 50 points per semester
Absences and tardiness disrupt the learning environment.
Students need regular day-to-day attendance and must be
punctual to maintain a sense of continuity in their program.
Even one absence can affect the success and educational
outcome for the individual and the entire class on that day.
Music rehearsals are particularly difficult to make-up since
the process is so experiential. It is impossible to
re-create what the other students experienced the preceding
day. |
0 absences = 5O points
8 absences = 26 points
1 absence = 47 points
9 absences = 23 points
2 absences = 44 points
10 absences = 20 points
3 absences = 41 points
11 absences = 17 points
4 absences = 38 points
12 absences = 14 points
5 absences = 35 points
13 absences = 11 points
6 absences = 32 points
14 absences = 0 points
7 absences = 29 points
15 absences = 0 points |
Points missed for unexcused absences cannot be made up.
Points missed for excused absences can be made up. The
following options can be used to make-up points: |
A 30 minute tape recording of you
practicing your orchestra music.
A one-page single-spaced type-written
report on a composer whose music we are performing.
A signed program from a concert you
attended that either involves the instrument you play or
features an
orchestra.
A signed program of a concert or recital
you performed in, excepting those scheduled or performed by
the
orchestra class for which you are enrolled
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There are other creative possibilities for
which you must receive director approval.
If a student's excused absence is because of involvement in
another music event during that excused absence, director
approval will exonerate the student from having to make up
the points.
Three unexcused tardies count as ONE unexcused absence after
which every additional unexcused tardy counts as an
unexcused absence!
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II. Assignments: Total of 50 points per
semester (Theory)
The number of assignments will vary each semester. Each
assignment will receive point(s) for the quality of work on
a scale of:
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5 = 50 points
4 = 40 points
3 = 30 points
2 = 20 points
1 = 10 points
0 = 0 points |
Assignments will be averaged for the entire
semester and given a final number (0-50) for the
"Assignments" portion of the grade. In most cases, all
assignments can be redone or improved upon. The final date
for resubmission of a particular assignment is the Friday
before the semester exams. The responsibility of making up
assignments is that of the student. You will need a
cassette/CD Taped clearly labeled with your full name and
the class in which you are enrolled. This cassette tape may
be required for tape assignments and auditions. |
III. Scales: Orchestra string players
Each semester you will be given a scale assignment to be
turned in one week before the end of the quarter. The tape
will contain the following materials: major and minor
scales, scales in thirds and arpeggios. Your performance on
this tape will in large part : your grade for the semester
and quarter. Your performance on the tape will be judged on
the following point system. |
90 - 100 correlating comment would be
"High Standard"
80 - 89 correlating comment would be "At or
Above Standard"
70 - 79 correlating comment would be "At
Standard"
60 - 69 correlating comment would be
"Below Standard"
0 - 59 correlating comment would be "Failing
This Subject" |
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The final grade in the class for the semester and quarter
determined by categories I, n and IV will never be higher
than the grade determined by your performance on the scales,
scales in thirds and arpeggios of this category, category
III. Please note, that if you wish to improve your
performance grade on the tape, you may redo the tape as many
times as necessary up to a week before the semester exams.
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IV. Concert Performance/Dress Rehearsals:
Students are expected to be at concert performances and
dress rehearsals. For each absence from a dress rehearsal or
concert performance, the final semester grade will be
reduced by one letter. Please refer to the Music Department
policies for clarification.
...if the absence is excused, points to reverse this
reduction may be earned by completing make-up work assigned
by the director.
.if the absence is unexcused. the grade reduction may not be
reversed. |
V. Attitude/Conduct/Professionalism:
You are expected to be professional and respectful at all
times and to be accountable for your actions. For examples,
please refer to the Music Department policies. To that end,
if the student's attitude, conduct and professionalism are
not appropriate, the following action will be taken:
Incident 1 - warning.
Incident 2 - conference with director.
Incident 3 - conference with director and parents.
Incident 4 - student must drop class. (The Music Department
Chair and a representative from the Administrative
Team can arbitrate an appeal process).
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VI. Grading Scale: |
90 - 100 = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59 = F |
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