Music Class Guidelines
by Mrs. Burgess
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MUSIC CLASS GUIDELINES |
VOCAL MUSIC
There are six grades for music class. They are:
1. a grade for each center
-research (grade based on scoring guide)
-technology (grade based on scoring guide)
-instruments (grade based on performance accuracy)
-theory (grade based on percentage grade earned on packet and
packet test)
2. a combined test, quiz, and journal grade
- this includes weekly quizzes on journal entries (all questions and answers are reviewed in class prior to the quiz)
- rhythm tests (practiced in class prior to the test)
- journal entries kept in journal (journal entries are written on the board each day to be copied into the student journals)
3. a performance test
-this test is a performance of the songs we have practiced and
sung in class
Other notes:
Scoring guides are reviewed and displayed in the classroom. For example, the scoring guide for the research and technology centers includes the following criteria for an A:
- project handed in on the due date
- a full page of facts on the topic, written in their own words
- the student has spent available class time being on task and working ( I keep a log of on-task time for the students.)
- a creative component accompanies the page of facts. The students have been shown creative examples. They might include: games, puzzles, websites, video or audio tapes of the student performing something, live performances, skits, student art work, making picture books, etc.
The journal entries are based on topics relevant to the six elements of music. When absent, a student needs to take the initiative to copy another student’s journal entry for the missed day.
Performance tests are done with their center group, however, if a child is absent the day of the performance test, they are required to come in and sing their song for me. Again, there is a scoring guide for scoring the performance test. Each student is scored individually, their grade is not dependent on the group performance.
Students are able to improve their grade, but they must take the initiative to speak to me about doing that. Everything can be redone except the weekly quizzes and the final journal test. This exception occurs because the students are given both questions and answers beforehand.
Music is an important subject area. It includes components of all subject areas and has been shown to increase brain function and promote learning.For this reason, music is an essential part of the middle school program. There are additional opportunities for learning and performing through our performance groups – Delegation and Harmony. Encourage your child to join one of these performance groups. The benefits will last a lifetime.
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