Middle school band is a graded class. As a performance class, the most important grades are from performances which are mandatory. These are worth 100 points each. The calendar of events is published at the beginning of the school year and students or parents should inform the director of any prior commitments that we may need to work around. In the event of a prior commitment that can’t be avoided, students may be excused from the concert and assigned a Live Performance paper as a makeup assignment. Last minute conflicts will not be excused except in cases of emergency. In addition to concerts, there will a number of playing tests worth 50 points each. These may be done either live or recorded for submission in Canvas. There may also occasionally be other worksheets or short assignments handed out. All playing tests and assignments may be submitted as many as the student wants to achieve the highest grade possible on the assignment. Every students learns at a different rate so students are given every opportunity to earn an "A" grade. More information on grading will be given out in class. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes 3-4 times per week. While we do not keep written logs of practice time, students’ progress is regularly assessed in class and the level of music we perform requires that minimum commitment.

Extra Credit:

Students may earn extra credit for attending a music performance and writing a Live Performance paper. These can be high school or college band or orchestra concerts, community or professional music concerts or less formal events such as combos or soloists playing at a local restaurant. Many local events are listed on the band calendar. 

Students can also earn extra credit for assisting with concerts they’re not already performing in. This could include advanced band students helping out at a jazz concert, sitting in with the beginning or intermediate bands to play in a performance, or assisting with an elementary music concert.