6th and 7th Grade Standards Based Grading

Grading Overview

We base our grading on a check-off system in which there are 4 check-offs each quarter for a total of 16 for the year. All of our check-offs, except for the first quarter for 6th graders, are specific exercises found in their Essential Elements for Band Book. Check-offs are the equivalent of playing tests except that they are able to be performed as many times as needed to achieve an ME (Mastery of Essential Skill). The check-off sheet that your student received in class this week lists which check-offs they are required to play. Students are expected to perform each check-off sequentially so that they can continue to build off the skills and techniques that each check-off requires.

Grading Process

    • We will rehearse the check-offs as a class throughout the year. 
    • On block days, we will have check-off days where all students will attempt to perform the most recently learned check-off with a director. 
    • Students can also submit video recordings from home and email to their band director. 
    • Students will have unlimited chances to achieve an ME. 
    • Students can turn in check-offs anytime during the quarter. There are soft deadlines for each check-off in Infinite Campus so that students can stay on track, and so parents are kept up to date on students' progress. 
    • If at any point your child has a question regarding one of their check-offs they are always welcome to speak with any of our directors for help or clarification.
    • Please check your student’s progress in Infinite Campus throughout the year.

Conclusion

All grades should be checked through Infinite Campus. If there are questions about grades please reach out to your director as soon as possible. If any student is struggling with completing a check-off, they should request help from their director and we will set up a time to work with them before or after school if necessary.

8th Grade Grading

Grading Overview

We base our grading on a check-off system in which there are 4 check-offs each quarter for a total of 16 for the year. All of our check-offs, except for the first quarter for 6th graders, are specific exercises found in their Essential Elements for Band Book. Check-offs are the equivalent of playing tests except that they are pass/redo only. The check-off sheet that your student received in class this week lists which check-offs they are required to play and what grade they will earn each quarter based on how many they complete. Students are expected to perform each check-off sequentially so that they can continue to build off the skills and techniques that each check-off requires.

Grading Process

  • We will rehearse the check-offs as a class throughout the year. 
  • On block days, we will have check-off days where all students will attempt to perform the most recently learned check-off with a director. Students will either be given a pass on the check-off, or they will receive a redo as well as feedback on what needs to be practiced. 
  • Students can also submit video recordings from home and email to their band director. 
  • Since check-offs are pass/redo only, students will have unlimited chances to pass. 
  • Grades continue to build each quarter, as check-offs are cumulative throughout the year. If a student does not pass all of the check-offs required in a quarter, they should pass those before moving on to the next quarter check-offs. 
  • Students can turn in check-offs anytime during the quarter. There are soft deadlines for each check-off in Infinite Campus so that students can stay on track, and so parents are kept up to date on students' progress.
  • Completed check-offs will show a “1” in Infinite Campus and incomplete check-offs will show a “0” until completed.
  • If at any point your child has a question regarding one of their check-offs they are always welcome to speak with any of our directors for help or clarification.
  • Due to band being a performance class, feedback will be given directly to students in class. Please check your student’s progress in Infinite Campus throughout the year.

Conclusion

All grades should be checked through Infinite Campus. If there are questions about grades please reach out to your director as soon as possible. If any student is struggling with completing a check-off, they should request help from their director and we will set up a time to work with them before or after school if necessary. 

Practice! Practice! Practice!

You have often heard that anything worthwhile takes time and effort. That is especially true when it comes to mastering a musical instrument. There is no substitute for practice! We will spend a great deal of time teaching our students correct practice habits. The truth is that your support and guidance will be the key factor in establishing the practice schedule ensuring the attainment of musical goals. We recommend 120 minutes a week of dedicated quality practice time. We suggest that you and your young musician agree on a practice time and a special area of your home designated for their area of musical study. A final five-minute recital is extremely effective in building performance responsibility and a great opportunity to show your support. Your positive reinforcement and encouragement is the most effective communication you can share with your child’s journey towards musical excellence. Although many new concepts are taught during band rehearsals, the limited time does not afford the personal attention that is vital to developing the technical facility required for the upcoming years of musical exploration.