Symphonic Band Grading Contract

2nd Quarter2016 – 2017

November 4, 2016 – January 20, 2017

Name ______

This contract represents the major portion of your grade for 2nd quarter. Each grade listed has specific expectations you need to meet to earn that grade. It is your responsibility to keep track of your progress during the quarter and to meet all the expectations for the grade you want.

To earn a “C” this quarter, do the following:

  1. Daily class activities
  • Be on time
  • Have all materials
  • Participate fully in all class activities
  1. Performances
  • Veterans’ Day Program on November 11 – MANDATORY.
  • Holiday Concert on December 8 – MANDATORY. The only excused absences from this concert are family emergencies or extreme illness. Any other absence will be considered unexcused and will result in an F for your 2nd quarter grade.
  • Play at one Pep Band event - date played: ____
  1. Sectionals and Small Group Instruction
  • Your section will be assigned two sectional times to work with a teacher in preparation for the Holiday Concert. You need to attend both. If you miss one (or both), it will be your responsibility to arrange for an appropriate alternate sectional time with one of the teachers. These will happen during class or during Lunch B.
  • One lesson between December 9 and December 21. This lesson will focus on choosing your solo/ensemble music as well as a first run-through playing it. _____
  • One lesson between January 3 and January 17. This lesson will focus on getting your solo/ensemble music ready for the Local Solo/Ensemble Festival. _____

To earn a “B” this quarter, do everything for a “C” plus do the following:

1. Play a one-octave chromatic scale perfectly in 10 seconds by January 17. _____

2. Complete one Live Music Review and submit it by January 19. You can get the form from the band webpage or from Mr. Janssen. To qualify for this review, the event must meet these criteria:

a)It must be live music

b)It must happen during 2nd quarter

c)Complete the form and attach a program or ticket that shows the date of the event

d)Your review has to be legible! 

Name ______

To earn an “A” this quarter, do everything for a “B” plus do the following:

1. Play a two-octave chromatic scale perfectly in 20 seconds by January 17. _____

PLUS

2. Complete one (or more) "A" projects:

  • Be a successful participant in Jazz Ensemble, Dixieland Combo, London Band, and/or Varsity Band.
  • Put together an ensemble to perform holiday music at the Holiday Concert and/or other venues. You’ll need to plan ahead on this one so you can rehearse at least once with Mr. Janssen.
  • Register for the 2017 Wisconsin State Honors Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Ensemble auditions and complete at least one lesson on the audition materials.
  • Be a member of one of the WYSO orchestras (playing your band instrument) or Winds of Wisconsin.
  • Study privately with someone who specializes in your instrument.
  • Complete a review of web postings (such as YouTube) for solos performed on your instrument. If you did this for your first quarter project, you cannot repeat this activity.
  • Tutor middle school students – set this up by November 11 with Mr. Dorner.
  • Be a tutor for a freshman who plays the same instrument you do. You need to set this up in advance with Mr. Janssen
  • Create a composition for others to play - work out the details in advance with Mr. Janssen.
  • Other ideas --- let's talk!

25% of your 2nd quarter grade

will be determined by Mr. Janssen based upon your ability to:

  • participate successfully in class on assigned materials and activities
  • demonstrate improvement on your musical contributions to the group
  • demonstrate a sense of teamwork and cooperation, both with Mr. Janssen and other students in the ensemble.

These are important factors in any large performing ensemble's success.

Grade you earned this quarter:

What you did to earn this grade: