Syllabus

Highview Bands Grading Procedures and Expectations

Grading Procedure
Grading is done in two weighted categories.
Rehearsal = 20%
Lessons, SmartMusic, Concerts = 80%

Rehearsal Expectations  (20%)
These are the expectations for good rehearsal etiquette.  Following these will insure a quality band experience for everyone. 
We expect you to:
·                     Have your instrument every day
·                     Not chew gum or eat candy
·                     Be on time
·                     Work hard
·                     Have a pencil in your folder
·                     Keep the band room neat
These expectations will be strictly enforced and are consistent with other teachers’ expectations.  Consequences include possible written assignments, office referrals and detention.  Talking and playing is acceptable before class and in between pieces but should cease when the director gets on the podium.

Lesson Expectations  (80%)
For sixth and seventh grade students your lesson will be scheduled with Mr. Erickson. Eighth grade students will have their lessons with Mr. Schmidt. You will receive one small-group lesson for half of a class period once in each seven-day rotation for eighth graders and once every other week for sixth and seventh graders in addition to your full band rehearsal. 

We expect you to:
·                     Know when your lesson is scheduled
·                     Be prepared
·                     Work hard
·                     Have scales memorized
·                     Use feedback to improve
Additionally, for eighth graders, private instruction will count as your lesson, and you will not have to do a lesson during the school day. 

Concert Expectations  (80%)
All students will attend ALL performances. Conflicts may only be excused with a written explanation two weeks prior to the performance. Athletic events, shopping trips, vacations are not excused. The success of the band depends on your contribution!

SmartMusic Expectations  (80%)
Each quarter you will be expected to turn in one performance assessment each school-week. 
We expect you to:
·                     Use SmartMusic weekly
·                     Submit your best effort
·                     Complete your assignment on time
·                     Count SmartMusic on your practice report
Students who do not have SmartMusic at home may use the computers in the band room or practice rooms to complete their assignments.

Practice

We will not be collecting monthly practice reports. We still expect your daily practice to be consistent. Almost any musical rehearsal or performance outside of school counts as practice time. 
We expect you to practice 150 minutes/week

Following these expectations will insure good progress and improvement outside of the classroom.