Band & Orchestra Behavioral Expectations and Grading Policy    

Mr.  Leonard Neidhold, Director                                       

B. D. Billinghurst M. S. Bands

                                                                                   

Classroom Behavioral Expectations         

                                     

Appropriate Behavior:  Be polite and respectful to and of your peers, yourself, your teacher and your environment.  Demonstrate appropriate etiquette at all concerts and activities.

 

Appropriate Participation:  Participate to the best of your ability.

 

Punctuality:  Be on time and ready to participate.

 

Preparedness:  Come to class with all of your materials, including but not limited to:

 

1.     Instrument (in good working condition with all necessary equipment)

2.     Music (Band method book and any issued music)

3.     Writing implements, including pencils (not colored) and paper to write on

 

Grading

 

Concerts:  40% - Concerts are mandatory.  There will be concerts in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.  In the first quarter, the other grading criteria will be pro-rated to comprise the 1st quarter grade.  Pre-arranged absences will be excused only at the instructor's discretion.  After-the-fact excuses for absences from concerts will not be accepted, with the exception of emergency instances.  In those cases, excusal will still be at the instructor's discretion.  (Please note:  If a concert is missed unexcused, given the 40% weight in the grading policy, the highest grade possible will be a D).  Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines of concert etiquette as presented in class.

 

Participation:  15% - Students must participate in each and every class.  The student must have his/her instrument and accessories, including writing implements, during each class.  If a student's instrument is in need of repair, the student must be able to produce a repair shop receipt or claim ticket to demonstrate a timely attempt to get the instrument in working condition.

 

Playing Tests: 15% - Students will play no less than one playing test during each grading period.  Any student found to be disruptive during another student's playing test will automatically receive an F for that playing test.

 

Practice / Writing Assignments:  15 % - Students will be expected to write to demonstrate comprehension of subject matter (WCSD Administrative Expectation).  Students are expected to practice between 80 - 120 minutes a week (approximately 20-30 minutes a day, 4 days per week).  Practice logs will be due during the final week of each grading period as announced in class.  Late practice records will not be accepted.  Journals are due when announced in class.  They should reflect comprehension of subject matter including but not limited to, music fundamentals, music theory, music history, and vocabulary.

 

Written Exams:  15% - Written tests will be given to measure comprehension of subject matter, including but not limited to, music fundamentals, music theory, music history, and vocabulary.