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Grading Policy
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 NEW TRIER HIGH SCHOOL “It is the philosophy of the Music Department that grades should reflect the effort, ability, attitude and visible dedication that each student demonstrates on a consistent daily basis in a particular ensemble.” A positive attitude is the underlying ingredient necessary to the success of each ensemble and in turn each member of that ensemble. In reading the New Trier High School Music Department Grading Policy, one finds principles that serve as bench marks for a positive attitude. One must leave one’s “ego at the door and become a team player” approaching “all new music” and ideas “with an open mind, seeing each as an opportunity to learn.” An individual “acts as a professional when rehearsing and performing, and does not thrive on complaining or finding fault with the direction or leadership of the ensemble, or the efforts of its members,” but rather “employs creative thinking skills to solve problems or voice concerns” with respect and care. We must work together to achieve success together, and what better way is there than through music? In a very real way this process of music making is a metaphor for making our way through life with our fellows. The orchestra grading policy is based on a twelve point system which includes the following components (please note, your grade is cumulative over the semester and the final semester grade represents calculations based on the entire semester): I. Daily Attendance: Total of 6
points per semester Absences and tardiness disrupt the learning
environment. Students need regular day-to-day attendance and must be
punctual to maintain a sense of continuity in their program. Even one
absence can affect the success and educational outcome for the individual and
the entire class on that day. Music rehearsals are particularly
difficult to make-up since the process is so experiential. It is
impossible to re-create what the other students experienced the preceding day. 0-2
absences = 6 points *Points missed for unexcused
absences cannot be made up. II. Assignments: Total of 6 points per semester The number of assignments will vary each semester. Each assignment will receive either a pass or fail mark. Every fail mark will result in a one point deduction from the possible 6 points for the semester. In most cases, all assignments resulting in a fail mark, can be made up by the Friday before the semester exams. The responsibility of making up assignments with fail marks is that of the student. You will need a cassette tape clearly labeled with your full name and the class in which you are enrolled. This cassette tape may be required for tape assignments and auditions. Note to Freshman, Concert and Symphony
Orchestras:
it is possible that in each Semester, you will have a group project to
complete. Failure to complete this group project will result in a
automatic four-point deduction for the Semester from the “Assignments”
portion of the grading policy. III. Scales: (Freshman and Concert Orchestra string players only) Each semester you will be given a scale
assignment to be turned in one week before the end of the quarter. The
tape will contain the following materials: major and minor scales, scales in
thirds and arpeggios. Your performance on this tape will in large part
determine your grade for the semester and quarter. Your performance on
the tape will be judged to be work of an: IV. Concert Performance/Dress
Rehearsals: Students are expected to be at concert performances and dress rehearsals. For each absence from a dress rehearsal or concert performance, the final semester grade will be reduced by one letter. Please refer to the Music Department policies for clarification. -if the absence is excused,
points to reverse this reduction may be earned by You are expected to be professional and respectful at all times and to be accountable for your actions. For examples, please refer to the Music Department policies. incident 1 - warning. GRADING SCALE: |