Instrumental Music, Band/Strings Rubric, Grades 3 - 4

Exceptional

4 Points Each

Outstanding

3 Points Each

Above Average

2 Points Each

Average

1 Point Each

Tone Quality

☐ Tone is fully developed, controlled, clear and consistent and well above grade level

☐ Tone is developed and  is above grade level

☐ Tone shows evidence of development and has some moments of clarity

☐ Tone is emerging and  is not yet consistent

Accuracy of Pitch

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately most of the time

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately some of the time

☐ Printed pitches are occasionally performed with accuracy

Intonation

☐ Intonation is within or above the appropriate developmental range

☐ Occasional lapses in intonation, but generally within the appropriate developmental range

☐ Frequently out of tune but with several moments of developmentally appropriate intonation

☐ Occasionally played in tune most of the time and shows signs of developing intonation 

Rhythm and Pulse

☐ Gives notes and rests proper value and maintains a steady pulse the majority of the time with minimal errors

☐ Gives most notes and rests proper value and keeps a steady pulse most of the time

☐ Gives some notes and rests proper value and sometimes keeps a steady pulse

☐ Occasionally gives few notes and rests proper value and occasionally keeps a steady pulse

Technique and Articulation (Bowing, Tonguing, Sticking, Fingerings)

☐ Student uses appropriate playing technique

☐ Student uses appropriate articulation, including attacks and releases

☐ Some flaws in playing technique but does not detract from the performance

☐ Plays most notes with the correct articulation

☐ Some flaws in playing technique that detract from the performance

☐ Plays some of the notes with the correct articulation

☐ Demonstrates beginning understanding of playing technique

☐ Demonstrated beginning understanding of articulation

Interpretation (Musicality, Phrasing, Expressive Elements, Nuance, Tempo, Range)

☐ The style and tempo are appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows expressive elements that are performed significantly above grade level

☐ The style and tempo are mostly appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows expressive elements and are performed above grade level

☐ Style and tempo are somewhat appropriate to the musical selection

☐ The performance shows glimpses of expressive elements

☐ Style and tempo are occasionally appropriate 

☐ Phrasing and tempo are typical of a student at this age and there are emerging expressive qualities