Wind Ensemble Expectations and Grading Policy

Mrs. Barry

2007-2008

Welcome to Wind Ensemble! I expect to have a lot of fun and to make some great music. All will run smoothly as long as we all understand a few things!

The Wind Ensemble is a group of students who have achieved a superior level of musicianship and knowledge of their instrument. The ability of the group will allow us to play more challenging music. We are also planning a competition in the spring, therefore I expect you attend weekly lessons, practice at home, be prepared to work and well behaved during rehearsals. If at any time a student chooses to not meet my standards they may be removed from the group.

Classroom Rules/ Expectations

• EVERYTHING YOU LEARNED IN Kindergarten
• Respect each individual opinion, taste and style.
• Come to class prepared, black 1 ½” binder, music, pencil, and a smile

Concert Attire

 The following is the appropriate concert attire unless otherwise stated.

          Ladies- while blouse/top and black bottom (pants or skirts), dress shoes

          Gentlemen- white dress shirt, black bottom, dress shoes

NO SNEAKERS, JEANS OR T-SHIRTS!!!

Grading Policy

    Wind Ensemble members will receive a letter grade of A-F. Students will be graded on the following:

Lessons- students are required to attend 1 lesson a week. Lessons are worth 2 points each. 1 point is earned if the student attends the lesson and 1 points is earned if the student is prepared. Being prepared means having all lesson materials (Instrument, music, and lesson book) Students will be given 2 “freebies” per marking period. This means that 2 lessons can be missed without penalty. Any missed lesson in excess of that will have to be made up or the student will lose the points.

          *** Extra credit points will be awarded for unused freebies**

Practice Logs- Students are required to practice 150 minutes per week. (30 minutes 5 days a week) This must be documented on a practice log that will be given to the student.  Practice logs are worth 2 points each.  Each practice log must be signed by a parent/guardian!  Only 1 point is earned if practice time is insufficient.  Please be honest!!  Students must show the signed practice log at each lesson.

Rehearsals – Wind Ensemble is a class!!  Students will be graded on their preparation each day.  1 point is earned for each day the student comes to class prepared, with his/her instrument, band music, pencil.  If any one of these items is missing, the student will not receive the point for that class period. 

Playing Tests – Playing tests will be given during the 1^st and 3^rd marking periods.  (These are the marking periods we don’t have concerts.)  Each playing test is worth 30 points.  Students will be asked to perform scales, book exercises, and orchestra music during each playing test.  Students will be informed about the test materials and performance expectations well in advance. 

Concert Attendance – Concert attendance is mandatory!!  The only acceptable excuses are illness and family emergency.  A note from a parent/guardian must be submitted in the case of an acceptable absence.   In the event that a student misses a concert and does not provide an acceptable excuse, he/she will automatically fail the class for that marking period. 

Actions to have you removed from Wind Ensemble:

• Lack of lesson attendance
• Lack of Practice
• Lack of preparedness
• Poor behavior during rehearsals
• Failing to attend a performance ( unless it is an acceptable excuse, listed above)

Turning in Signed Handbook forms – Turning in all of the completed and signed forms in this handbook is worth 5 points!!  These must be returned to Mrs. Barry by Wednesday, September 12, 2007.

We have read and understand all concert band Expectations as well as the grading policy. 

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