Grading Policy

Grading Policy for Choral Groups

Grades will be based on learning music, attendance, and responsibility as follows:

All students will be expected to come prepared and on time to rehearsals.  A pencil is required at each practice.  Students will be expected to notate directions on diction, word stress, breath and phasing in their music.  A periodic folder and music check should be expected.

All students will be assessed in an individual three minute testing session each quarter.   The evaluation will be based on two short sections of music that have been rehearsed during chorus.  Students will be required to demonstrate pitch and rhythm accuracy and the expected dynamics or musical directions that were taught during class. CD’s or tapes of the music will be available for student use in preparation for the evaluation.

Attendance at all performances and preparatory rehearsals is mandatory. In the event of an extreme circumstance which conflicts with a performance, the director must be given notification in writing.  The Governors and First Ladies may have additional performances which are sometimes scheduled during the school day or in the evenings.  The group will always be notified and will discuss the possible dates. Once the dates have been agreed upon by the group, the students must be willing to rearrange their schedules to attend these extra performances.  Written notification of any scheduling problem must be given to Mrs. Schneiderhan in advance of the performance.

A commitment to excellence and self-discipline is expected of all students during rehearsals and performances.  Disruptive behavior and being late to class will cause students to lose points in the participation portion of their chorus grade.

Attendance is a critical part of a performing group.  Students who are absent from class do not gain the same experiences and knowledge as those who are present.  Students will be expected to attend at least two sectionals during each marking period.  There will be a weekly sectional scheduled on a rotating basis according to the available times within Mrs. Schneiderhan’s schedule. Sectional schedules will be posted weekly outside the choral room.  Students will be expected to fill out an excuse card if they are unable to attend their scheduled sectional.  Sectionals are imperative to successfully learn the advanced choral repertoire.

Grading Policy

Points Breakdown

Sectional Attendances (two required)                                    10 points each/20 points possible

Performance Attendance                                                        30 points

      Holiday Concert – 2^nd quarter

      Pops Concert – 3^rd quarter

      Spring Concert – 4^th quarter

Participation                                                                            40 points

      Deductions for :    disruptive behavior

                                 tardiness

                                 unexcused absences

                                 failure to take singing test

                                 failure to properly maintain folder

Quarterly Singing Test                                                           5 points

Above and Beyond                                                                 5 points

                                 Auditioning for the festivals

                                 Participating in festivals

                                 Attending other choral performances

                                 Exceptional musicianship

 

TOTAL POINTS PER QUARTER                                       100 POINTS