Junior High Band
Grading Tips

Grade Scale

I used a grade scale that was quite a bit more lenient than the one used by most of the other teachers.

93 – 100 = A
86 – 92 = A-
80 – 85 = B+
75 – 79 = B
70 – 74 = B-
65 – 69 = C+
60 – 64 = C
55 – 59 = C-
50 – 54 = D+
45 – 49 = D
40 – 44 = D-
0 – 39 = F

Progress reports were posted weekly so the students would always know what their grades were. This was facilitated by computer grading programs.* The weekly test scores (playing test, tuning tests or written tests) were entered when the test was given. The attendance, attitude, attendance at early morning rehearsals and concerts were entered on the weekends. The practice, extra credit, good equipment, and make-up work were entered when the reports were collected every third week.

* There are many computer grading programs available. Each school or sometimes the district selects the program used. I used the district program for the regular grades and an old stand-alone program for the scales tests and Jazz Band auditions.

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.