Grading Policy

The grades/assignments you receive in orchestra are as follows:

Participation (30% of grade)

Practice (20% of Grade)

Weekly practice is necessary and a important part of learning a musical instrument. Students need to be consistent in their practice for the best results if you are a beginner, starting with 20 to 30 minutes of daily practice. Intermediate and advanced students should try to get in 45 to 60 minutes of daily practice.

Performances (30% of Grade)

Attending all concerts is mandatory. This is where you get to shine and show off your hard work and dedication. Concerts are in our school auditorium and occasionally off campus for special events, like the Lee Cluster Winter concert, Evening with Strings and UIL. If a performance is missed, students must do an alternate assignment to make up for the missed concert. 

Playing Quizzes/Solos (20% of Grade)

 Besides playing together as an orchestra, we need to hone our individual skills with scales etudes (studies) and solos. Every 9 weeks you will be assigned a solo to learn and play, which will also prepare you for the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest you can enter to get individual recognition.