TESTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Seventh and Eighth Grade - Students will be tested over the following concert scales during the course of the school year; B flat, A flat, E flat, D flat, F, C, G and also a chromatic scale. A scale sheet will be given to the students at the beginning of the school year and two scales will be tested each six week period. The eighth graders must perform their scale memorized and the seventh graders have the option of playing scales memorized for extra credit. Chair order will be established on the basis of grades received for these tests. Challenges will begin after the order has been established. This procedure will be reviewed in class. Seventh graders use the method book Essential Elements 2000 book two and eighth graders also refer to exercises from this book.

Sixth Grade - Students will be tested over exercises in their method book, Essential Elements 2000 book one. These tests are thoroughly rehearsed in class and the students are graded on the basis of their individual level of progression. Chair order is not set on the basis of these tests. Sixth graders do not start sitting in chair order until after their first concert. The chair order exercise will be chosen by the director from the method book. Challenges may be made by students wishing to try for a higher chair position. This procedure will be explained in detail during class.

All Band Students - Students will also be given worksheets or assignments from their method book throughout the year that will be assessed toward their grade.

**Students must have their instrument and participate in class each day. If they are unable to play due to mouth soreness from braces, they are expected to do the fingerings without playing. Students forgetting their instrument two times during a six week period will have their band grade dropped by one letter grade. This does not apply if an instrument is at the repair shop or the student has not yet obtained their instrument as in new sixth graders.