Cathedral City High School Bands Grading Policy/Syllabi

The Bands of Cathedral City High School
Unified Grading Policy
In order to provide a clear, fair, and precise assessment of each student's progress as a member of the Cathedral City High School Bands, the following grading guidelines are in effect. The overall purpose of this grading policy is to ensure the highest standard of musicianship, instrumental progress, theoretical study and application are understood and attained by every student. Every effort will be made to ensure each band student has the opportunity to receive the highest grade possible while a member of the CCHS Bands. The required work for this course will consist of a variety of assignments, activities, and events both during and outside of the school day. All students will be evaluated and graded on the basis of work completed both in and out of school. All students begin their participation in band with an "A". To maintain an "A" in band or colorguard, each member must successfully complete the following.

Rehearsals and Sectionals:Attend ALL rehearsals, clinics, and scheduled sectionals occurring both during and outside the school day, or as calendared for the student's ensemble. Five absences will result in an overall deduction of one letter grade. Marching Band Students: Students must be in the proper dress every day to receive daily credit for class participation. Proper dress is understood to be athletic clothing (Shorts, Tshirts/track pants, etc.) and a student's marching shoes. All other clothing is considered unacceptable. Students out of dress will find their grades lowered per day out of dress.
NOTE: THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES!!! Student's receive a commitment calendar for the year in June/September. It is recommended that you provide a copy of this schedule to your employer/parents with your commitments highlighted so you are taken off of a potential conflicting work/home schedule. Absences for religious, doctor, orthodontic, family vacation, or ANY other reason will be an unexcused absence regardless of CCHS Attendance office designation.
Performances: Performances are the culmination of our hard work in preparing a field show or concert literature for presentation to an audience. Performances are the equivalent of exams in a textbook-bearing course. Missing a performance is unacceptable, and will account for a two-letter grade deduction from a student's performance grade. If a student is late to a performance call time or event, the student's grade will drop by one-third letter. If a student has two or more absences the week of any ensemble performance, they will not be allowed to perform in that particular performance, and their grade will drop according to the grading policy. If a student's performance preparation is found to be unacceptable, then that student will not be allowed to perform in the forthcoming performance.
Class Preparedness and Participation:To receive credit for class attendance, students must come to class on time, have all parts of their instruments, all parts of THEIR music (not using someone else's), and fully and POSITIVELY participate in all class activities. If an instrument is forgotten, a student's grade will drop by a third letter grade. Grading for participation in class will be done on a daily basis. Note: playing Unified Grading Policy, Continued. exams for all band classes will occur on a daily and weekly basis. The concert band courses will also be given a rubric for playing, outlining when a particular test is to be completed.
Marching Band Challenges Marching Band challenges are the testing apparatus used to assess a students overall preparedness prior to EVERY performance during the fall. Students will be individually and collectively assessed to demonstrate performance readiness and evidence of home practice on a portion of marching band performance material. If after the initial challenge a student appears on the "challenge list", they will have a period of time to work and get assistance to improve their performance prior to the final challenge. Any student who does not satisfactorily pass a final weekly challenge will not perform for that given performance. Non-performing students are still expected to travel and dress for the given performance.
Behavior: Students in the Bands of Cathedral City High School will be professional, mature, classy individuals. This includes not using profanity, slander, or disrupting rehearsals. If a student's behavior is found to be in question when in uniform, at away concerts and events, or they are found not to be in keeping with our belief in "Excellence, Service, Family, and Legacy," a student can expect a SIGNIFICANT deduction from the overall grade. Deductions from a student's grade for disruptive or inappropriate behavior in rehearsal, in clinic, on tour/day trip, or during performance rehearsal will occur immediately and will negatively impact a students grade.
Timeliness: The understanding of the CCHS Bands is, "To be EARLY is to be ON TIME." Being on time to rehearsals, sectionals, and events means being in your chair, on the field, or in parade block BEFORE the rehearsal start time. Plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to any band event to get your materials, warm-up, and check for new information. Please note: "I could not get a ride," or, "My parent was late," are never acceptable as excuses for a tardy.
Make-up Work:All tests, exams, and assignments are to be completed on time as they are assigned. If a student is absent when one of these assignments are presented they have one day see Mr. Whitmore to set alternative options for the assignment, or it is marked incomplete.
Music: Students are to be totally responsible for their music. If you do not receive a copy of a piece, please see Mr. Whitmore, or your section leader immediately. Students MUST arrive at rehearsal using THEIR music in order to receive proper credit in band. Lost music is not acceptable; any music found on the floor - or anywhere outside of a student's locker will result in a significant point deduction from a student's grade.
Musicianship Exams: Musicianship exams will occur weekly throughout the school year. The exams will involve scales, technique, rhythm, literature tests, written work, music theory and music history. Note: these exams can occur daily in class.
Home Practice: Practicing at home DAILY for a minimum of 45 minutes is required for all band classes. Have all music prepared and memorized when required by the Director of Bands or Section Leaders.
Due Dates: As monies, forms, contracts, and other non-musical items come due these dates will be counted as graded assignments.
Cell Phones:Cell phones are to be in the non-ringing position during all rehearsals, and performances and are not to be used during class. If a cell phone is observed in use, or rings during class, then the cell phone will be confiscated and will be held until it is picked up by the parent of student whose phone was found to be disruptive.