Grading Policies

Music is one of the most enriching performing arts, both as a soloist and as a member of an ensemble. As with all arts, music requires a great deal of commitment, discipline, time, and passion. Your daily focus, discipline, and dedication during rehearsals and concerts is mandatory and an integral part of our success. Attendance and positive attitudes are imperative. Respect, humility, and gratitude are equally important to our goals and the development of each member and the ensemble as a whole. Thank you for making this commitment!

Exultate, Chamber, and Incendia

Concerts, Festivals, & Performances - 400 points each
Theory Quizzes - 100 points each
Sight-Reading & Dictation - 50 points each
Score Study & Written Work- 50 points each
Attendance & Preparation - 50 points per week

Concert, Festival, and Performance dates will be posted here and on the school's calendar. Please plan accordingly.

Theory quizzes will be issued occasionally to assess understanding of key signatures, rhythmic figures, etc. If you miss a quiz, it is your responsibility to complete the quiz on your own time and turn it into Mrs. Wood per the school's late work policy.

Sight-Reading and Dictation tests will correspond to pitch intervals being studied in class. Additional practice materials (see Assignments page) are available for those of you who struggle to recognize and sing intervals.

Score Study and Written Work will predominantly be assessed at random times. Mark dynamics, cut-offs, articulations, diction, vowels, and solfege as instructed during class. This is an all or nothing grade. No partial grades will be given, so mark your music!

Attendance and Preparation points are earned through basic rehearsal ettiquette: you're where you are supposed to be, ready to start, remain on task, positive attitude, music and pencil in hand, you use solfege, and you contribute to the rehearsal. If you're too sick to participate, you probably should not be at school, so don't plan on using illness as an excuse! You will lose points for tardies!

Incendia students are encouraged to partipate as a soloist or part of a small ensemble at District III Festival or at a Jazz Festival, as approved by the director. Students wishing to audition for Incendia are highly encouraged to partipate as a soloist or in small ensemble at District III Festival. Accompaniment fees may apply.

Piano

Recitals & Performances - 400 points each
Performance Tests - 100 points
Written Assignments - 100 points

Each student will be assigned a one-on-one instruction time with me during one day per week. During your assigned time, you will receive instruction and individual goals for the week. Your preparation and practice will be evaluated and receive a grade.

Recitals and Performances will be posted here and on the school calendar. Please plan accordingly.

Performance and Written Tests may be assigned during class and may be unannounced. These tests are designed to evaluate effective practice and help the instructor determine which concepts need to be addressed more.

Theory and Written Work will be an important part of each student's personal growth on their instrument. The majority of theory and written work should be completed outside of class, as to optimize practice time during class.

Attendance and Preparation points are earned through basic rehearsal ettiquette: you're where you are supposed to be, ready to start, remain on task, follow instructions, positive attitude, music and pencil in hand, and you respect the equipment.