Gerald Martinez

Grading Policy

Grades will be based on the following items:
1. Rehearsals
2. Sectionals
3. Class Participation
4. Listening
5. Written Evaluations
6. Playing Exams
7. Auditions
8. Audio Recordings
9. Performances

A. Rehearsals/Sectionals 20%
a. Rehearsals The student is expected to attend every rehearsal, unless teacher
is presented with an excused absence. Note: Rehearsals include marching
band, concert band and jazz band.
Note: Excused absences include family emergencies and illness.
Documentation must be signed by the parent/guardian and turned into the
teacher when student returns.
b. Sectionals The student is expected to attend every sectional, unless teacher
is presented with an excused absence. Note: Sectionals will occur weekly.

B. Class Participation/Listening/Written Evaluation 30%
a. Class Participation The student is required to bring all required materials to
class, rehearsal and sectionals. This includes pencils, reeds, music, neck strap,
mouthpiece and instrument.
b. Listening Evaluations Listening is a crucial part of music. Listening will
take place at least once a week during class. The students will then write a
paragraph about his/her view of the piece with the vocabulary the director
mentions during that particular class. Every two weeks the student will listen
to a piece of his/her choice from the time period decided during class. The
student will then write a paragraph expressing his/her view on the piece.

c. Written Exams Written exams will be given. Students will always be
notified of these at least two weeks in advance.

C. Playing Exams/Auditions/ Audio Recording 20%
a. Playing Exams Playing exams will happen frequently. The student is
expected to demonstrate a characteristic tone quality, correct rhythms, precise
articulation and phrasing.
b. Auditions The student is expected to participate in frequent mock auditions
and hearings. (To prepare the students for ensemble auditions, especially for
those students who are going to compete in the TMEA All-Region Auditions
& solo and ensemble)
2

c. Audio Recordings- Individual practice is a crucial part of this organization.
Students will be assigned, once a week, to play and record excerpts from their
music and submit the audio recording via CD.
D. Performances 30%
a. Performances All performances are mandatory, unless presented with an
excused absence at LEAST four weeks in advance before the performance.
Note: If an unforeseen event occurs (family emergency, illness, etc.) then
the student will need to bring appropriate documentation signed by the
parent/guardian/doctor.

b. Extra Credit
a. Outside Concert Attendance The student may attend a concert by a
professional Wind Symphony, Orchestra, Big Band, Chorus, etc. and submit a
paper with the students observation and experience.