Music Ensemble Grading Policy

This policy defines grading procedures for all bands and choirs at Northmont High School. These classes are fully credited high school classes and fulfill the fine arts graduation requirement. Students enrolled in these performing ensembles are expected to actively participate in class, attend all after school rehearsals and performances, prepare the music through individual and group practices, and are encouraged to improve performance skills through private study. The total points required per quarter will vary based on the number of rehearsals and performances scheduled. Grades will be averaged and based on the Northmont High School adopted grading scale:

A=90 – 100

B=80 – 89

C=70 – 79

D=60 – 69

F=59 or below

Active Participation

Students enrolled in performing ensembles will receive 5 points per day for active participation in rehearsals. Students are expected to be prepared for rehearsals which includes being in their assigned seat at the beginning of each rehearsal, having all equipment and music for instrumental ensembles, and being attentive during the rehearsal. Students may lose points for non-participation including being tardy to class, tardy for rehearsal, talking, sleeping, doing homework, not singing or playing and not being prepared for rehearsals. Being prepared for rehearsal is defined as having all necessary materials for rehearsals (instrumentalists should have instruments and music, concert sticks and mallets for percussionists, mutes and valve oil for brass players, reeds for woodwinds) Students with excused absences during the quarter may make up active participation points through extra points in the fine arts project.

After School Rehearsals and Performances

The director will provide a schedule of required after school rehearsals and performances at least two weeks prior to the event. Students will be given points for actively participating in each activity. After school rehearsal are worth 50 points, after school concerts are worth 100 points and district and state contests are worth 200 points. At the director’s discretion, students who have missed rehearsals or have not actively participated on a daily basis may be denied the privilege of performance at concerts or contest with loss of credit. Students with an excused absence must demonstrate proficiency in performing the assigned material and may make up after school rehearsals and performances through extra points in the fine arts project.

Fine Arts Project

At the end of each quarter every ensemble music student must complete a “fine arts project.” The purpose of “fine arts project” is to encourage the student to explore or expand their knowledge of the visual and performing arts. The project is due before the end of the quarter and will be reported on a form distributed by the director. Performances or private lessons must be verified by parent’s signature, private lesson teacher or ticket stub/program. Below is a list of some activities:

Private Lessons 100pts (per quarter)

Marching Band 100pts (per year)

Winterguard 100pts (per year)

Musical or Play 100pts (per activity)

Drama/Art Club/Muse Machine 25pts (per quarter)

Research Paper 25pts (per page)

Concert 25pts

Concert Summary 25pts

Participation in performing groups or other activities outside of the school will be considered on an individual basis. Please check with the director first.

Attendance Policy

1. A student who has an excused absence from school is considered excused from class participation and after school activities and can make them up through by extra points on the fine arts project.

2. The following reasons will also be considered as excused:

a. family event (wedding, graduation, funeral, etc.)

b. family emergency

c. sports in season (rehearsals only)

d. illness

3. If a student becomes ill after school is dismissed the director should be contacted by a parent before the activity if possible.

4. Work will never be considered as an excuse to miss a rehearsal or performance.

5. Medical appointments should be avoided during scheduled events.

6. If possible, avoid family vacations when performances are scheduled.

7. Conflicts between other Northmont High School activities should be brought to the attention of the director as soon as possible so the problem can be resolved with the other activities’ sponsor. Conflict with non-school sponsored activities may not be considered.