JOHS Band Handbook/Grading Procedures

Grading Procedures

    Band is a unique course at John Overton High School.  It has curricular requirements, just as any other academic discipline, but it also has out-of-class time requirements.  The strength of our band program is the consolidation of these requirements into one performance-based, academic course of study.  The level of commitment from each individual student is the driving force behind the organization and is reflected in the level of achievement reached by the individual and the program.

    Band is a learning activity.  Rehearsals, whether during or after school, are the means by which students learn, and by their very nature cannot be reproduced or made-up.  There it is imperative that students be present unless the absence is absolutely unavoidable.  Excessive rehearsal absences will undoubtedly affect a student's performance.  Although we frequently function as conductors, we are primarily teachers responsible for the musical and aesthetic education of each student in the band program.  This is the reason we are absolutely insistent upon each student's daily participation.  Rehearsals are not optional and are reflected in the student's daily grade.

    Performances are viewed as major tests:  a performance is a learning experience that cannot be duplicated in a rehearsal hall or practice room; the level of concentration required in a public performance assists each student in developing an insight into his/her own level of performance; a performance is an important evaluative tool, allowing comparison of a student's performance in relation to classroom objectives presented and with past performances.  Absences from performances are only excused in the event of an extreme emergency:  serious illness or hospitalization of the student, death in the family, religious holiday, or other reasons deemed excusable by the directors.  All absences from performances or rehearsals must be approved by the band directors IN ADVANCE. Unexcused absences may result in the student being placed in the "alternate status".  Absences from a class must follow the policies and procedures set by John Overton High School.  In accordance with the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools grading policy, band is considered a co-curricular course.  A co-curricular course is a course that is based on performance and requires after-school rehearsals and/or performances.

    The John Overton Band grading is based on participation and performance, not on ability.  Some playing tests will be given throughout the year but level of proficiency is considered in the assessment.  Students are required to attend all performances, rehearsals, and classes.  If a student is absent from any performance, rehearsal, or class with an excused absence, the student will be required to do make up work for the absence.  Make up work consists of practice time outside the regular class or rehearsal.  A make up sheet is available in the band room and should be turned in with parent signature within three (3) days after the student returns to school.  Additional time may be given to turn in make up sheets with director approval.  If a regular class during the day is missed, the student should practice 30 minutes.  The make up sheet is blue.  If an after school rehearsal is or performance is missed, the student should practice 60 minutes.  The make up sheet is pink.  If a student has difficulty practicing at home, they may practice in the band room after school or after a regular rehearsal.  Private lessons may also count as practice time.

Daily Grades

    During marching season the competitive band students receive a weekly grade of 100 points based on class participation (10 points per day) and two after school rehearsals on Monday and Tuesday (25 points each).  The non-competitive band students receive a weekly grade of 100 points based on class participation (20 points per day).

    During concert season, all students receive a weekly grade of 100 points based on class participation (20 points per day).

    If the student fails to turn in a make up sheet for an absence, he/she will lose the points for that class.

    Daily grades are 25% of the six weeks grade.

Rehearsals

    During marching season, the competitive band students receive 100 points for each Thursday night rehearsal, some required section rehearsals, or mini-camp when required.  The non-competitive band students will have a limited number of rehearsals as outlined by the directors to prepare for the pre-game activities and will receive 100 points for each rehearsal.

    During concert season, all students will receive 100 points for each after school rehearsal.

    If the student fails to turn in a make up sheet for an absence, they will lose the points for that rehearsal.

    Rehearsals are 25% of the six weeks grade.

Performances

    All students receive 100 points for each required performance in marching and concert season.

    If a student fails to turn in a make up sheet for an absence, he/she will lose the points for that performance.

    Performances are 25% of the six weeks grade.

Music

    All students receive 100 points for each playing test, music check off, written test, worksheet, etc.

    If a student fails to complete the playing test, music check off, written test, worksheet, etc., he/she will lose the points for that music evaluation.

    Music evaluations are 25% of the six weeks grade.

    Finally, we take our jobs as band directors seriously.  The band as an organization provides a medium through which students progress academically, musically, and socially.  Musicianship, attitude, attendance, punctuality, conduct, and a desire for excellence are absolutely expected from each member of the John Overton Band.  Therefore, individual practice and preparation are essential.  No other discipline in education requires the high level of achievement from all participants as does musical performance.  Through the level of commitment required, we hope to better prepare our students for the responsibilities encountered throughout their lives.