Instrumental Music Grading Policy
Instrumental music is an important and beneficial part of a good education, and as such students are held accountable like they are in any other class. The HCPSS Instrumental Music grading policy is outlined below. You will notice that there is no specific mention of "practicing." Practicing is an essential part of learning to play an instrument and will be assessed through multiple sections of the grading policy.
Applied Skills & Technical Development - 50% - Every student will receive graded performance assessments and skills tests throughout the year. These tests are sometimes video and/or audio recorded.
Procedures and Practices - 20% - Students are not just learning to perform on their instruments, but they are also learning to conduct themselves in a large ensemble rehearsal. This class will put the student in the role of a professional instrumental musician. As such, you will be asked to show your understanding of rehearsal and performance behavior. Students are observed and assessed on their instrumental performance and rehearsal conduct on a daily basis.
Musicianship - 10% - Students will complete assignments that explore musical works performed in the class to further their understanding of performance practice. Assignments will include listening to personal, ensemble, and professional recordings and researching musical works to understand cultural and historical context.
Creativity and Composition - 10% - Students will complete composition assignments to further their understanding of music theory and creative processes.
Reflection - 10% - Students will receive written reflection assignments over the course of the year. Students will evaluate their performances and performances by other groups in the following categories: tone, technique, intonation, musicality, balance, interpretation, musical effect, and other factors.
Procedures and Practices - 20% - Students are not just learning to perform on their instruments, but they are also learning to conduct themselves in a large ensemble rehearsal. This class will put the student in the role of a professional instrumental musician. As such, you will be asked to show your understanding of rehearsal and performance behavior. Students are observed and assessed on their instrumental performance and rehearsal conduct on a daily basis.
Musicianship - 10% - Students will complete assignments that explore musical works performed in the class to further their understanding of performance practice. Assignments will include listening to personal, ensemble, and professional recordings and researching musical works to understand cultural and historical context.
Creativity and Composition - 10% - Students will complete composition assignments to further their understanding of music theory and creative processes.
Reflection - 10% - Students will receive written reflection assignments over the course of the year. Students will evaluate their performances and performances by other groups in the following categories: tone, technique, intonation, musicality, balance, interpretation, musical effect, and other factors.