Grading Policy
Grading categories from the HCPSS Music Grading Standards are weighted as follows as well as a few example assignments:
Mus s1: Creativity & Composition 10%
Develops and applies strategies to generate and express a variety of musical ideas.
Mus s2: Musicianship 20%
Uses best practices and experiences to inform and develop an authentic voice.
Mus s3: Applied Skills & Technical Development 40%
Demonstrates skills and strategies appropriate to music-making.
Mus s4: Procedures & Practices 20%
Demonstrates appropriate musical practices in the classroom or rehearsal environment.
Mus s5: Reflection 10%
Communicates an understanding of concepts and strategies through the evaluation of music.
Examples/Description of Assignments in Each Standard
Creativity and Composition - 10%
Students will complete composition assignments to further their understanding of music theory and creative processes.
- Composition Assignments
- 'How-To' Video Assignments
Musicianship - 20%
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. Other assignments will be playing tests or practice checks were the focus is on developing the MUSICAL qualities of their playing. Being a musician includes showing up to rehearsals with your music learned to the highest level and being punctual to performances.
- Playing Tests (Phrasing or Expression Based)
- Concert Etiquette (Showing up on time, behavior, etc.)
- Being prepared to play your best in class everyday
REQUIRED AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES:HCPSS defines Concert Orchestra, String Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra as co-curricular classes that require time outside of the scheduled school-day. (HCPSS Policy 8090: Non-School-Hour Curricular Programs)
Applied Skills & Technical Development - 40%
Every student will receive graded performance assessments and technique tests throughout the year. These tests are video and/or audio recorded.
- Playing Tests (Technique Based)
- Practice Checks
- Technique Checks
The Howard County Orchestra Assessment is required of Howard County orchestra students. This is a one-time performance opportunity that cannot be made up. Please plan for this NOW: Pending notification from HCPSS, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will perform on either March 11 or 12, 2019. Concert Band will perform on either March 13 or 14, 2019. Specific dates and times will be given as soon as assigned.
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
- Rehearsal Etiquette
- Material Preparation
- Following Sectional Schedules
Reflection - 10%
Students will receive written reflection assignments and engage in verbal reflection discussions 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.
- Written Reflection assignments
- Canvas discussions
- In class participation
- Peer review projects
Mus s1: Creativity & Composition 10%
Develops and applies strategies to generate and express a variety of musical ideas.
Mus s2: Musicianship 20%
Uses best practices and experiences to inform and develop an authentic voice.
Mus s3: Applied Skills & Technical Development 40%
Demonstrates skills and strategies appropriate to music-making.
Mus s4: Procedures & Practices 20%
Demonstrates appropriate musical practices in the classroom or rehearsal environment.
Mus s5: Reflection 10%
Communicates an understanding of concepts and strategies through the evaluation of music.
Examples/Description of Assignments in Each Standard
Creativity and Composition - 10%
Students will complete composition assignments to further their understanding of music theory and creative processes.
- Composition Assignments
- 'How-To' Video Assignments
Musicianship - 20%
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. Other assignments will be playing tests or practice checks were the focus is on developing the MUSICAL qualities of their playing. Being a musician includes showing up to rehearsals with your music learned to the highest level and being punctual to performances.
- Playing Tests (Phrasing or Expression Based)
- Concert Etiquette (Showing up on time, behavior, etc.)
- Being prepared to play your best in class everyday
REQUIRED AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES:HCPSS defines Concert Orchestra, String Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra as co-curricular classes that require time outside of the scheduled school-day. (HCPSS Policy 8090: Non-School-Hour Curricular Programs)
Applied Skills & Technical Development - 40%
Every student will receive graded performance assessments and technique tests throughout the year. These tests are video and/or audio recorded.
- Playing Tests (Technique Based)
- Practice Checks
- Technique Checks
The Howard County Orchestra Assessment is required of Howard County orchestra students. This is a one-time performance opportunity that cannot be made up. Please plan for this NOW: Pending notification from HCPSS, Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will perform on either March 11 or 12, 2019. Concert Band will perform on either March 13 or 14, 2019. Specific dates and times will be given as soon as assigned.
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
- Rehearsal Etiquette
- Material Preparation
- Following Sectional Schedules
Reflection - 10%
Students will receive written reflection assignments and engage in verbal reflection discussions 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.
- Written Reflection assignments
- Canvas discussions
- In class participation
- Peer review projects