All students begin with 80 points:

Points will be added for:

            Periodic Evaluations……………………………………………….up to 5 points

                        Students will be tested in quartets or small ensembles

            Theory and Sight-Reading Evaluations………………………….up to 5 points

                        Evaluations may be written or oral

            Positive contribution to the group rehearsal…………………….up to 10 points

Individual shows energy and concentration in rehearsal, exhibits respectful rehearsal techniques and good posture consistently, marks music with a pencil, and participates in class discussions and rehearsal evaluations.

 Points will be subtracted for:

            Unexcused absence from dress rehearsal……………………… - 5 points each

            Unexcused absence from concert……………………………….. -10 points each

                        Illness or family emergency will be taken into consideration with written

                        parental notice.

            Negative contribution to the group rehearsal…………………… up to - 10 points

Individual talks in rehearsal, exhibits bad posture, is late to class, does not have class materials ready, or distracts in any way from the group’s rehearsal efforts.

**Students will receive Progress Reports once a quarter. They are responsible for obtaining a parent signature and returning them to Ms. Covington.  Students will be rewarded at the end of the year for having their original interim from all 4 quarters. **

Participation in Daily Rehearsals

This area is where we spend the most time and effort in choral music.  It is imperative and required that students attend rehearsals, but mere attendance is not the only requirement.  Students are expected to be attentive and prepared.  Participation in rehearsals entails a student being on-task at all times.  Those who choose to distract others from the rehearsal are not considered to be “participating” in the rehearsal.  This includes talking and any disruptive behavior.  Students are expected to be present for the entire rehearsal.  Students arriving late to a rehearsal have, in effect, missed out on part of their opportunity to participate, and cannot receive full points for that rehearsal.

Participation in Concerts

Participation in concerts is MANDATORY.  Students are expected to be present for concerts at a pre-determined “call time” and are expected to remain at the concert in their designated location for the entirety of the performance.  Students arriving late and leaving early have missed part of the concert, and will not receive full points for that concert. 

Written or performance-based quizzes

Periodically during the year, students will be asked to perform in quartets or small ensembles for a grade.  This type of quiz is used for two main reasons.  1) To acclimate a student to performing in front of others and 2) To make sure that everyone knows their respective parts before a concert.  Another type of quiz that may occur during the year is a sight-reading quiz.  Students would, after lengthy instruction and in-class practice, sign up for a one-on-one time slot to demonstrate their understanding of the skills learned in class.  The final type of quiz students may incur is a written quiz. These will be given periodically to evaluate students’ understanding of the music theory concepts learned in class.

Social functions such as the Welcome Back Party, Lock-In, and Holiday Party are not required, but most students choose to participate in these events to boost the camaraderie among the choral students.  Students will be made keenly aware of which events are mandatory and which are optional.