Grading Policy


Middle School Grading Policy


Instrumental Lesson Preparation 15%

Ensemble Preparation 15%

Skills Based Assessment 40%

Performances 20%

Practice Journals 10%

Conduct Grade Not measured


Instrumental Lesson Preparation: (weekly grade)


  • Student is on time for class.

  • Student is prepared with instrument, music folder, and a pencil.

  • Student performs lesson material at a high level of proficiency.

  • Student is attentive and exhibits good conduct and a positive attitude.



Ensemble Preparation: (weekly grade)


  • Student is on time for rehearsal.

  • Student is prepared with instrument, music folder, and a pencil.

  • Student is attentive and exhibits good conduct and a positive attitude.

  • Student performs music at a proficient level.



Skills Based Assessment


Students have various ways of earning credit each trimester. Their goal is to earn 100 points per trimester. Here are some of the options, and this may change throughout the school year:


  • Earning a belt in Band Karate. (40 points per belt)

    • See Band Karate sheet.

  • Recording a video playing test. (70 points)

    • Includes scales and band music.

  • Taking a Music Reading Assessment. (10 points)

  • Coming in for extra help/practice during sectional time. (20 points)

  • Music analysis task. (20 points)

  • Music history task. (20 points)

  • Creating a composition. (20 points)



Performances: (grade for each performance)


  • Student will receive a grade for Winter Concert (Tri 2) and Summer Gathering (Tri 3).

  • Student is on time for performance warm-up.

  • Student has instrument and appropriate materials.

  • Student is attentive and exhibits good conduct and a positive attitude.

  • Student contributes to a good performance.

  • Student’s individual part is performed at a high level of proficiency.

  • Concerts are mandatory. If there is an emergency, student can see me for an alternate assignment if the reason for missing event is considered excusable by teacher/administration.



Practice Journals:


  • Student submits one thoughtful practice log per month. (posted in Google Classroom)


Conduct Grade:

  • Follow all HCS rules, guidelines, and Music Discipline policy

  • Be respectful to teacher and other students

  • Score of 3-3.5 means you are doing what you should be doing

  • Score of 4 means you have gone above and beyond what is expected

  • Score below 3 means that there is something that needs to be worked on, and you will receive a warning from me in advance.