5th Grade Music Class Criteria
Mrs. Amanda L. Woods, Music/Band Teacher PO Middle School
Phone: 814-342-4906
Email: awoods@pomounties.org
Website: http://www.pomounties.org/Domain/525
Welcome to Music Class! This year we will explore the world of music and actively
participate in the creation of music.
Explanation of Music Grades
Each section of students will have music class twice per 6 day cycle during the
2015-2016 school year. During class we have various activities and skills in which
students will participate and be evaluated. Students will be exposed to many different
genres of music, musical instruments, and composers.
There is one music grade awarded at the end of the 9 weeks; it is a “Skills” grade.
Skills Grade
This grade is earned as an overall evaluation of the activities in music class. During the
class we will at times do a skills rotation where students repeat a series of musical skills
to improve their singing voice and rhythms. They repeat rhythms using “bah” at first and
then using Gordon Rhythm syllables. They also match pitch and repeat a series of tonal
intervals using “bum” at first and then using Sol-fege syllables. Students are graded on
how often they achieve each skill.
4 – Always achieve
3 – Often achieve
2 – Sometimes achieve
1 – Rarely achieve
0 – Never achieve
In addition the students are graded on the following categories:
*Written Assignments: 30%
(ie tests, worksheets, project assignments)
*Classroom Application of Skills 20%
(ie singing songs on pitch with correct rhythms)
*Additional music performance activities: 20%
(ie performing/creating music with instruments, movement, etc.)
*Effort/Particpation: 30%
(ie effort and participation displayed)
These weekly grades convert to an overall “Achieve” (A) or “Not Achieve” (N) for your
child’s skills report card grade.I will contact the parent in the event of the student not
achieving in class.
Additional Opportunities
In fifth grade your student also has the opportunity to participate in 5th Grade Band and
5th Grade Chorus. You will be receiving information on both. Participation in band or
chorus is NOT considered into your Music Class grade.