Will James Band
Policies and Grading
Your grade will be based upon the percentage of points earned for classroom participation and cooperation, performances, and written/playing tests. Points are weighed as follows: Tests/Performances-50% of grade, Classroom participation and cooperation-50% of grade.
PERFORMANCES - Each student will receive the maximum amount of points for each concert performance if they are present. Points will be deducted however, for arriving late, leaving early, or not wearing the appropriate concert attire. Concert performances are held OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY. Instrumental music is a performance driven class and therefore all members must be present at EVERY CONCERT. Concert dates are: November 9, February 16, March 18 (8th grade ONLY), and May 13.
PLAYING/WRITTEN TESTS - Make-up work is available as per school policy if a playing or written test is missed.
ABSENCE FROM PERFORMANCE – An unexcused absence means that the director was not notified prior to the day of the concert that the student will not be in attendance. An unexcused absence will result in a 0 for that particular performance. An excused absence means that the director was notified prior to the day of the concert that the student will not be in attendance.
For an unexcused absence, a student will be required to write a 4 page typed, double-spaced paper (with bibliography) on the history of their instrument or a composer of their choice.
For an excused absence, a student will be required to write a 2 page typed, double spaced paper (with bibliography) on the history of their instrument or a composer of their choice. Another option is that the student can simply not “count” the concert, only basing their grade on their other tests and their participation/cooperation grade for the quarter. Excused absences are at the discretion of the director.
CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION AND COOPERATION – In order to receive the maximum amount of points, students must meet all classroom expectations. If expectations are not met, students will be asked to pack up their instruments. Therefore, they have lost their points for that day.
Over
CLASSROOM EXPECTATONS –
Students must have ALL necessary supplies every day in class. These include: Instrument, 3 (extra) good Reeds, Valve Oil, Tuning/Slide Grease, Theory Book (to be purchased), and Music folder with all music and books. ALL students must have an identification tag on their instrument. These can be purchased from the band instructor for $5 (fundraiser) or from any other store.
1. Come into the room, get your instrument and folder, go to your seat, set it up, and then visit.
2. When director steps on the podium, stop talking and stop playing.
3. Watch the conductor!! If the conductor stops, you stop! Don’t keep playing and/or start talking.
4. When the conductor is rehearsing another section, do not talk. Listen to and/or follow along with that section.
5. When the conductor is on the stand, do not talk unless you have been called upon to do so.
6. Do not pack up your instrument early!!
7. Exit the room quietly and orderly. If you don’t, you will leave the room from your chair.
8. ALWAYS listen to and follow instructions.
9. If you have a question or comment ALWAYS raise your hand.
10. DO NOT LEAN BACK IN CHAIRS!!
CONCERT ATTIRE -
• Ladies: Dresses, Skirts/Skorts, (NO JEAN) Slacks.
NO SPAGHETTI STRAPS OR FLIP-FLOPS WILL BE ALLOWED.
• Gentlemen: Slacks, Dockers, Cords, Dress Shirt (No Pullovers/Polo)
with a collar and a tie. NO TENNIS SHOES, SKATING SHOES, SANDALS OR JEANS (ANY COLOR) WILL BE ALLOWED.
If you are not able to afford/purchase these items, please contact the director at least 2 weeks prior to the performance so that arrangements can be made to find the proper concert attire. Remember that these items do not need to be new or expensive. If a student does, however, show up to a performance without the proper attire their grade will be affected and/or they may be asked not to perform.
We, the undersigned, have read these policies, grading criteria, and expectations. By signing, we agree to follow these rules. Please sign and return to Mr. Roberts.
STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________DATE_________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE___________________DATE_____
A COPY OF THIS CONTRACT IS LOCATED AT WWW.WILLJAMESBAND.ORG