Junior High Band
Grading Tips

Attitude

Attitude (25% of grade) - A single student’s poor attitude can affect the whole band. The students were encouraged to show they cared about having a good band by being on time, being prepared, not chewing gum or candy, and not being rowdy. Students who were unable to follow this direction received negative marks in the roll book. Since we all have bad days (“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.”) a way to make up each negative mark was provided. I tried to make the punishment fit the crime:

  • Tardy - Be on time the 10 days immediately following the day you were tardy.
  • Rowdy - Act like an “A” student for two days immediately following the day you were rowdy. Let the teacher know at the beginning of class that you will be trying to make up the mark. Check at the end of class to see how you did.
  • Gum - Clean gum off the floor, stands, and chairs for 20 minutes before or after school.
  • Unprepared - No book on test day, bring a book the next two test days. No instrument, bring your instrument the next ten school days.

Video Disclaimer

The attached videos are not perfect examples of how each tune should be played. They are recordings of junior high students, some of whom have had their instruments for only a few months. Also, they are not professional recordings. They were taken by band parents using home equipment and naturally focusing on their own children.

I include them for two reasons: (1) To give you an idea of what the arrangements are like, and (2) To illustrate the kind of performance you can expect from your junior high students.