North Bands

North Middle School Bands Grading System and Rank Requirements

Overview:

I have redesigned the “play-off”rank system where the entire curriculum has been divided into 12 ranks that use Viking Social and Military classes as titles. Each rank is divided into 3-5 requirements. Students will be graded on the performance requirements by using Smartmusic Software.  This software is a wonderful tool to help them learn the skills required.  There are 6 computers in the classroom and students will be given 15 minutes in class, in rotations, roughly once every 7 days depending on class size. Students may retake requirements that are unsatisfactory as many times as needed to achieve competency. Computers will be available before and after school.  If students wish to work ahead, they may do so and the work will count toward the next marking period(s). There are also ample opportunities for Bonus points so that students can still obtain a satisfactory grade if they find one or more requirements particularly challenging. You will find it easy to know where your child is in band because you will have direct access to the requirements sheets they need to complete.  See Below   Each student has a login name for smartmusic.  Smartmusic tracks their progress.  You will be able to login to the smartmusic server to monitor your child's progress as they complete the assignments. Login to Smartmusic here Even though the system is student paced, students will take a grade on each requirement listed for each marking period. 

Bonus Point Opportunities:

6th Grade:  6th Grade students my complete a practice record for two consecutive weeks.  The sheet must be signed and is due 1 week after the practice was completed.  Students will earn 5 points on the marking period grade for each two weeks recorded.  Other opportunities are available.  See Mr. Miller for details.

7th and 8th Grade:  7th and 8th Grade students my complete a practice record for two consecutive weeks.  The sheet must be signed and is due 1 week after the practice was completed.  Students will earn 5 points on the marking period grade for each two weeks recorded.  Other opportunities are available.  Participation in Solo Ensemble Festival in February will earn students 5 points toward the marking period grade. 

Each Rank has 3-5 requirements. Requirements can be found below on the Rank requirement sheets (Adobe Acrobat .pdf  )

These sheets are also available in the bandroom in the literature rack by the chalkboard.

Check out all the Viking rank descriptions here.

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