Iredell-Statesville Schools
Middle School Choral Performance Rubric
I: Superior (90-100%)
III: Average (65-79%)
II: Excellent (80-89%)
IV: Below Average (50-64%)
Tone Quality
10 points
Balance and
Blend
10 points
Intonation
10 points
Expression and
Phrasing
10 points
Superior
Excellent
Average
Below Average
The tone is
uniform,
consistent and
well controlled
throughout, with
minor lapses.
There are a few
tone problems.
Occasional lapses
in tone are caused
by extremes of
range/volume.
There is an
understanding of
tone but the
extremes of
volume and pitch
are often out of
control.
The ensemble
achieves a
pyramid balance
in dynamics and
ranges
throughout the
performance. A
particular section
rarely overpowers
another section.
The ensemble
achieves an
excellent blend
most of the time
with occasional
balance problems.
Tone quality has
some harshness
and/or distortion
at extended
ranges/volume
levels. There are
some
inconsistencies in
the tone quality.
The ensemble has
a proper blend.
There are some
lapses when
sections are
overpowering
other sections.
The ensemble
performs in tune
in all dynamics
and ranges
throughout the
performance.
There may be rare
lapses in
intonation.
The expression is
accurate. Great
attention is paid
to the shaping of
phrases.
The ensemble is
well tuned most
of the time with
occasional pitch
problems that
occur are due to
range and
dynamic
extremes.
The expression is
accurate most of
the time. Most of
the phrases have
a musical shape.
The ensemble is
mostly in tune but
inconsistent.
There are some
attempts to
correct the
problems.
The ensemble is
somewhat in
tune. When
problems occur
minor attempts
are made to
correct them.
The expression is
accurate some of
the time. There is
basic attempt to
shape phrases.
There is little
expressive
interpretation of
the music. There
is a slight attempt
to shape phrases.
At times, the
ensemble
achieves proper
balance. The
ensemble often
has members that
are singing either
too loud or too
soft.
Dynamics and
Style
10 points
Rhythm,
Precision,
Tempo, and
Note Accuracy
20 point
Diction
20 points
Posture and
Overall Effect
10 points
The performance
is stylistically
accurate. The
ensemble displays
an appropriate
range of dynamics
throughout the
performance.
The performance
is stylistically
accurate most of
the time. The
ensemble displays
an appropriate
dynamic range
throughout most
of the
performance.
Rhythms are
vertically aligned
and tempos are
accurate most of
the time.
Problems only
occur in the most
difficult sections.
Notes are
accurate most of
the time.
The performance
is stylistically
accurate some of
the time. Dynamic
variation is
apparent, but the
differences
between dynamic
levels are limited.
There is little
stylistic
interpretation of
the music. The
ensemble
attempts few
dynamic changes.
Rhythms are
vertically aligned
and tempos are
accurate some of
the time. The
ensemble has
trouble staying
together. Notes
are accurate some
of the time.
Pronunciation is
clear,
appropriate, and
consistent.
Pronunciation is
proper and
consistent with
only minor
problems.
Correct
pronunciation is
performed some
of the time.
Correct singing
posture is
correctly
demonstrated.
Facial expression
and focus is
correctly
demonstrated.
Correct singing
posture, facial
expression, and
focus are
demonstrated
with only minor
problems.
Correct singing
posture, facial
expression, and
focus are seldom
demonstrated.
Rhythms are
seldom vertically
aligned and
tempos are
uneven
throughout the
performance.
There is little
sense of rhythmic
accuracy and
rhythms are often
weak in fast or
difficult sections.
Notes are
inconsistent.
Correct
pronunciation is
rare- words are
not
understandable
by the audience.
Correct singing
posture, facial
expression, and
focus are rare.
Rhythms are
vertically aligned
and tempos are
accurate
throughout the
performance.
Rhythmic
interpretation is
appropriate for
the music. Notes
are accurate.
Point analysis:
Out of 10
points:
Out of 20
points:
Superior
9 or 10
Excellent
8
Average
6 or 7
Below Average
5 or 6
18, 19 or 20
16 or 17
14 or 15
10, 11, 12 or
13