Grades:
Ick… we all hate grades; teachers hate doing them, parents and students hate worrying about them.
As I enter my 38th (and last) year in the middle school classroom, I am coming more and more aware that my students are under increasing stress. My own “Junior High” years weren’t like this - on the other hand, I didn’t have this kind of quality education, either. I did, though, have lots of time to do my homework, do the many chores that were expected of me as a member of my family, wander the countryside on my horse or my bicycle, hang out with friends, read, and do my music practicing. I never felt this kind of crunch for time.
Anyway, I want band to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Starting this year, we will be going to a “Pass/Fail/A” system.
Some students like the learning extensions in band and like to push themselves and do things like go for Scale Hall of Fame, or do the Beginning Thoughts so that they learn to be more thoughtful musicians, or list their music enrichment activities, or do extra enrichment activities. These students can go for an A (or A-).
Other students like to just be laid back and learn enough to have fun with music and leave it at that. As of this moment, that’s acknowledged as OK, and these students will receive a “P” (pass) on their report card. (There are other classes at the middle school that are P/F.)
There will still be requirements that all band students must complete, such as the skill licks, scales and, for percussionists, the rudiments, but these are pretty minimal. Twice a year, I will also listen to each young musician, alone, perform an assignment that he/she has prepared to play for me. Musicians cannot improve and keep up if they don’t do some new exercises and learn some new things! As with anything else, the better you are, the more fun it is; but let’s keep in mind that it is still fun to just hack around with a basketball or camera or a saxophone.
So, students, it’s your choice! Do you want to go for the “A”, or just be able to come to band and be relaxed and earn a “P” for your grade? Whichever you decide, I promise I will give you the same quality attention and you will be a valued member of our band. And for all students, I hope band rehearsals can be an enjoyable, refreshing moment in your day.
As always, let me know if you are having trouble, feeling discouraged, feeling under-challenged or if in some other way band isn’t working for you. Remember, I am a teacher because I enjoy helping people and watching them learn and get better. I will NEVER ridicule you or put down your efforts and I will always be happy to help you succeed!
MsM
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A student's grade is made up of five parts: 
Please note!!!