Test Lines

CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Tone Quality	Tone is consistently focused, clear, and centered throughout the range of the instrument. Tone has characteristic sound for your particular instrument.	Tone is focused, clear and centered through the normal playing range of the instrument. Extremes in range sometimes cause tone to be less controlled. Tone quality typically does not detract from the performance.	Tone is sometimes uncontrolled in the normal playing range. Extremes in range are usually uncontrolled. Tone quality detracts from overall performance.	The tone is often airy or forced, or there is not enough sound to create characteristic tone.
Rhythm	The beat is secure and the rhythms are accurate. Note length and weight are appropriate for the style of music being played.	The beat is secure and the rhythms are mostly accurate. There are a few duration errors, but these do not detract from the overall performance.	The beat is somewhat erratic. Some rhythms are accurate. Duration errors and rhythm problems happen often enough to detract from the overall performance.	The beat is usually erratic and rhythms are seldom accurate detracting significantly from the overall performance.
Note Accuracy	Notes are consistently accurate.	Occasional inaccurate notes are played, not detracting from overall performance.	A few inaccurate notes are played, detracting somewhat from the overall performance.	Wrong notes consistently detract from the performance.
Articulation	Secure attacks. Markings (staccato, legato, slur, accents, etc.) are executed accurately and consistently as directed by the score and/or the conductor.	Attacks are usually secure. Basic tongued articulation is happening. Staccato, legato, slurs and accents are being played sometimes. Some attention is given to markings on the music.	Basic tongued articulation is happening consistently.	Few secure attacks. Does not yet articulate notes with the tongue.
Dynamics	Ability to play at different dynamic levels is always obvious. More subtle gradations of dynamic levels happens consistently. Dynamic levels are an accurate interpretation of the style of music being played.	Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent. A listener could easily tell which sections are loud and quiet.	Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned.	Attention to dynamic levels is not obvious.
Hand Position	Basic hand position is always correct without reminders. Hands are relaxed, but support instrument securely.	Basic hand position is consistently correct.	Knows where hands should be to support the instrument.	Has hands in the wrong place often. Does not support the instrument correctly.
Posture	Normal, upright posture is a regular habit when playing. Instrument and body work together naturally.	Normal upright posture is a habit. Student knows where to place the instrument.	Normal upright posture is becoming a habit. Student is learning where to place the instrument.	Normal upright posture is not yet a habit.
Pitch	Virtually no errors. Pitch is very accurate.	An occasional isolated error, but most of the time pitch is accurate and secure.	Some accurate pitches, but there are frequent and/or repeated errors.	Very few accurate or secure pitches.
Phrasing	Phrasing is always consistent and sensitive to the style of music being played.	Phrasing is usually consistent and sensitive to the style of music being played.	Phrasing is usually consistent and occasionally sensitive to the style of music being played.	Phrasing is rarely consistent and/or rarely sensitive to musical style.
Expression and Style	Performs with a creative nuance and style in response to the score and limited coaching.	Typically performs with nuance and style that is indicated in the score or which is suggested by instructor or peer.	Sometimes performs with nuance and style that is indicated in the score or which is suggested by instructor or peer.	Rarely demonstrates expression and style. Just plays the notes.
Attention in Class	Student is focused and attentive throughout class and follows directions to the best of his/her ability.	Student is usually focused and attentive during class, but sometimes is distracted by others.	Student is sometimes focused and attentive during class, but is easily distracted by others and sometimes distracts others.	Student is rarely focused and attentive during class. Sometimes disruptive to rest of class.
Practice	Regular, focused practice sessions which include warm-up, familiar and newer material, and purposeful skill development in a variety of areas.	Regular practice which includes newer music and some familiar favourites. Some work is done on scales, range, tone, etc..	Some regular practice. Occasionally works on a particular section of music in a systematic way.	Not enough practice to make significant progress. Sporadic, irregular practice which only happens under pressure or for deadlines. Aimless, unfocused practice which seldom leads to any particular change.

For more information try the WSP Band Index or...

NEW band	Parent Information		Student Information
Gr. 6 Band	Gr.7 Band	Gr. 8 Band	Jazz Bands	Test Lines

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