Grades are now available online. If you would like to see a copy of your current grade, you must first set up a password that you will use to access your grades. Write the password on your information sheet or email Mr. Denne or Dr. Roberts with the password that you wish to use. Passwords must consist of letters and numbers only and must be between six and twenty-four characters in length. They are not case sensitive. Passwords are kept in plain text within your teacher's gradebook. Do not use passwords that are tied to other secure accounts. Once the password is sent in, please allow some time for your teacher to set up your account. To see your grade, click on the appropriate class below. No information will appear until your password is set up.

Orchestra Grades - Click Here

Band Grades - Click Here

 

The requirements and expectations of the students in this program are derived directly from the National Standards for Arts Education. The Howard County performance curriculum is also based directly on these standards and presented in the form of goals and objectives.  Central to this program and to music education everywhere is the idea that music, like any other subject, can be taught to and assessed consistently for ALL students.
Grades on student report cards will use the following grading criteria:

         A – Highest Level of Performance
         B – High Level of Performance
         C – Acceptable Level of Performance
         D – Low Level of Performance

         E – Unsatisfactory Performance

        

Each student’s grade is based upon Performance, Participation, and Practice. 

 

Performance
         This category represents how well a student plays and sings compared to their ability.  Students will be assessed individually either in the large ensemble through the use of recordings or by live performance in sectionals. Evaluations that correspond to this area are for all students:  Note Reading, Theory, Articulation, Tone Quality, and Intonation.  For wind and percussion students they include: Hand and Body Posture, Embouchure (winds only), Overtones (brass only), Fingerings/Slide Positions (winds only), and stick control and rudiments (percussion only.)  For choir students they include:  Supported Tone, Consistent Vowel Production, Correct Singing Posture, Correct Vocal Breathing, and Part Independence.  For orchestra students they include: Left and Right Hand Positions and Bowing Techniques.  For more information about orchestra performance evaluation click here.

Participation
Attitude is the single greatest factor that will determine the musical success of any individual.  In general an “A” student shows positive leadership and interest in assisting rehearsal procedures.  He or she is self-disciplined, punctual, dependable, and cooperative.  The “A” student has outstanding progress in self-improvement through constant individual practice and ensemble participation.  In summation, the "A" student cares deeply, wants to succeed, and demonstrates this through quality work. 

 Practice
A grade based on the quantity and quality of home practice each week.  150 min. or more is expected for an “A”, 120-150 min. for a “B”, and 105-120 min. for a “C”.  A letter grade will also be given for written homework, class work, and exams throughout the year.  It is crucial that students  regularly submit their playing charts in order to receive full credit for this portion of their grade.

Effort

Consistent effort is necessary to develop and maintain one's performance skills. It is only through consistent effort that musicians improve and continue to be contributing members of the ensemble. Effort is assessed by a direct proportion of the playing chart.