Assessment at BRMS
Our Grading Philosophy
Assessment helps all of us reflect upon what we have accomplished and how we can improve ourselves to reach the next level. We also count on qualified guidance to achievable goals that will set the foundation for future success and enjoyment in life. It is with these thoughts that I present the grading philosophy for the Black River Instrumental Music Program.
Assessment Summary
Some students and parents have expressed a fear that participating in the band will hurt their GPA and feel this is a reason to not be part of the Instrumental program. Rest assured that I have structured the assessments to only help the students achieve success!
For example, if the student attends every lesson / rehearsal and finishes 1/2 of the work...
the student will receive a grade of an A-.
For example, if the student attends every lesson / rehearsal and finishes 1/2 of the work...
the student will receive a grade of an A-.
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Assessment Details
Please read!
1. (68%) Lessons
Since band ensembles only meet once or twice a week, lessons and practicing at home are very important! Thus the highest weight of the grade falls here.
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A: (50%) Attendance at lessons
B: (5%) Practice Journal check at lessons
C: (2%) Marking Period / Lesson Quizzes
D: (6%) Essential Elements Online Recordings
E: (5%) Level Progress
F: (Bonus Points) Miscellaneous
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2. (30%) Rehearsals and Concerts
The music program will only be as great as we improve as individuals and as a group (team). Rehearsals are very important to learn balance, intonation, techniques, phrasing, hearing other parts, dynamics, tone, history, and many more details that only can be worked on during a group rehearsal. Thus, attendance at rehearsals are very important to everyone.
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Dr. Piascik understands that a student might have a "School Crisis," and needs to see a teacher during our rehearsal time. However, Dr. Piascik does not want these crises to affect the quality of our band for all the other students. Therefore, a new system has been created in order to provide the opportunity for the students to be responsible. (Please be advised that all students are expected to attend all of the rehearsals 2 weeks before the concerts/Dorney Park).
The "Rehearsal and Concert" Grade. (30 points = 30% of your final grade)
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3. (2%) Theory Program
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Chester school district uses Powerschool for our grading system.
Dr. Piascik will keep the grade book updated often so that the students and parents are aware of their current grade.
Please be aware of a couple of procedures that I use to do my grades:
Dr. Piascik will place a "0" (zero / F) with a "missing" symbol for assignments that have not been done yet.
This means that the student still needs to complete the assignment (Like MP1 or Levels).
Dr. Piascik makes the grade a "0" so that the grades calculate correctly for what the student has "at that time."
This way the student knows their grade and can do something to help their final grade at all times.
Otherwise, the grade would be very high for the marking period and would drop dramatically at the end.
No one likes surprises.
Students can earn Bonus Points for doing extra performing and education outside of school.
The grades will be very low in the beginning of each marking period since all the grades have not been added yet for each category.
For example, after they attend a lesson the grade will go up. Please do not panic.
Dr. Piascik will keep the grade book updated often so that the students and parents are aware of their current grade.
Please be aware of a couple of procedures that I use to do my grades:
Dr. Piascik will place a "0" (zero / F) with a "missing" symbol for assignments that have not been done yet.
This means that the student still needs to complete the assignment (Like MP1 or Levels).
Dr. Piascik makes the grade a "0" so that the grades calculate correctly for what the student has "at that time."
This way the student knows their grade and can do something to help their final grade at all times.
Otherwise, the grade would be very high for the marking period and would drop dramatically at the end.
No one likes surprises.
Students can earn Bonus Points for doing extra performing and education outside of school.
The grades will be very low in the beginning of each marking period since all the grades have not been added yet for each category.
For example, after they attend a lesson the grade will go up. Please do not panic.