Grading+Policies

**__GRADING POLICIES:__**
Each orchestra student’s grade will be determined by the number of points they earn during the grading period. The number of points earned divided by the total possible points will give the percentage and letter grade.


 * __Class Participation__** – Students start each day with 5 points. Forgetting instruments/music, arriving late, and breaking rules result in loss of points.


 * __Practice Charts__** – Practice is REQUIRED to get better. **Practice charts are due every week on Wednesday.** Each practice sheet is worth 30 points and must be __completely__ filled out, **__including parent signature.__** Lack of signature will result in no points. Late charts are accepted, however, they will lose 5 points per week (NO CREDIT after 5 weeks late)

__** IF you have forgotten to get a practice chart, down load one right here. Clink on this link ---> **__

__**8th grade students will not be required to turn in practice charts. In lieu of a practice chart grade, they will receive more performance assessments (25 pt playing quizzes every two weeks). THEY ARE STILL REQUIRED TO PRACTICE ON A REGULAR BASIS AND LEARN THEIR MUSIC.**__


 * __Playing Tests__** - Playing tests are a very important assessment of technical growth on the instrument. There will be a minimum one test per grading period that will always be announced at least a week in advance. These tests will also serve as chair auditions for concert seating. There is usually only 1 playing test per grading period. Playing tests are 100 points.


 * __Playing Quizzes__** – Short performance quizzes can happen anytime, although Mrs. Stepson usually will hint a few days before the quizzes. Any music on the weekly assignments can be used for quizzes. These quick assessments will be done in class and will be 25 points.


 * __Concerts__** – All students must attend the three concerts. If a conflict does exist it must be presented in writing to Mrs. Stepson at least 30 days before the performance. Unexcused absence from a performance will lower the grade. Concerts are 100 points. If a concert is missed due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, a make-up assignment worth 100 points may be assigned.


 * __Extra Credit__** – Students may attend concerts and musical theater performances outside of school hours for extra credit. To receive credit, simply turn in the program or ticket stub marked clearly with the student’s name. Each performance will receive 25 extra credit points. There is a limit to 50 points per student, per grading period. (The date of the concert must be within that grading period to receive credit - ex. PSO Holiday Pops concert will receive credit during the 2nd grading period)