Strings Rubric, Grades 8-12

Exceptional

4 Points Each

Outstanding

3 Points Each

Above Average

2 Points Each

Average

1 Point Each

Tone Quality

☐ Tone is exceptionally warm, resonant, focused, consistent, vibrant, and full

☐ Tone is consistently warm, resonant, focused, vibrant and full

☐ Tone is sufficiently warm, resonant, focused and full, with few inconsistencies

☐ Tone is developing warmth, resonance and focus but is inconsistent

Intonation/Rhythmic Accuracy

Accuracy of Pitches & Rhythms

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately and intonation is masterful

☐ Printed rhythms performed accurately w/ precision including attacks & releases

☐ Exceptional flow showing care with tempo nuances

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately with evident artistry and intonation is consistent

☐ Printed rhythms are performed accurately including attacks, releases

☐ Tempo is steady and musical from beginning to end

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately and intonation is somewhat consistent

☐ Printed rhythms are performed with accuracy with few errors, attacks and releases are accurate

☐ Flow of tempo is consistent

☐ Printed pitches are sometimes performed accurately and intonation is developing consistency

☐ Printed rhythms are performed with emerging accuracy. Some inconsistencies in attacks and releases

☐ Consistency in flow of tempo is emerging

Technique

Articulation, Bowing

☐ Student interprets printed articulations (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) stylistically and exceptionally musically

☐ Bowing technique is controlled, refined, and elevates the music

☐ Student shifts artistically, cleanly & accurately or otherwise demonstrates mastery of left hand technique

☐ Articulations (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) are performed musically, accurately, and with contrast

☐ Bowing technique is controlled and refined

☐ Student shifts cleanly & accurately or otherwise demonstrates facility with left hand technique

☐ Contrast in articulations (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) is apparent and consistent

☐ Bowing technique demonstrates bow management

☐ Student shifts with accuracy or otherwise demonstrates good left hand technique

☐ Interpretation of printed articulation (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) markings is developing

☐ Bowing technique demonstrates emerging bow management

☐ Student demonstrate knowledge of shifting or left hand technique

Musicality

Phrasing, expressive elements, nuance, dynamics, tempo

☐ Phrasing emphasizes the contour of the melodic line artistically throughout.

☐ Dynamics are performed with finesse and artistic contrast

☐ Overall expression is masterful, artistic and nuanced

☐ Vibrato is controlled, refined, masterful, & elevates the music

☐ Phrasing emphasizes the contour of the melodic line in context of the whole piece

☐ Dynamics are performed musically

☐ Expression is consistent and effective

☐ Vibrato is controlled and refined

☐ Phrasing shows the basic contour of the melodic line

☐ Dynamics are performed appropriately

☐ Expressive elements are apparent

☐ Vibrato is apparent but may be inconsistent

☐ Melodic phrasing is developing

☐ Dynamic contrast is emerging

☐ Expressive elements are developing

☐ Vibrato is emerging

Performance

Preparation, stage presence, expression, memorization, artistry, fluency, talent, potential

☐ Musical selection is memorized and exceptionally well-prepared

☐ Mistakes are nonexistent or expertly handled with fluency and control, keeping the flow of the music

☐ Posture and poise are exceptional and enhance overall performance

☐ Demonstrates exceptional enthusiasm and potential

☐ Musical selection is memorized or well-prepared, and consistent

☐ Mistakes are few and handled with control.

☐ Posture and poise are excellent

☐ Demonstrates great enthusiasm and potential

☐ Musical selection is well-prepared with few inconsistencies

☐ Mistakes are handled with some control with adequate recovery.

☐ Good posture and poise are evident

☐ Enthusiasm and potential is apparent

☐ Musical selection needs additional preparation

☐ Mistakes impact the performance

☐ Posture and poise are developing and impact the performance.

☐ Demonstrates emerging enthusiasm and potential

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2 Points Each

1 Point Each

No Points

Rhythm Accuracy

☐ Printed rhythms performed accurately w/ precision including attacks & releases

☐ Printed rhythms are performed with accuracy with few errors, attacks and releases are accurate

☐ Printed rhythms are performed with emerging accuracy. Inconsistencies in attacks and releases

Pulse

☐ Consistent pulse throughout, with musically appropriate fluctuations

☐ Mostly consistent pulse with fluctuations that occasionally detract from performance

☐ Consistency in pulse is emerging

Pitch Accuracy

☐ Printed pitches are performed accurately and intonation is masterful

☐ Printed pitches are mostly performed accurately and intonation is somewhat consistent

☐ Printed pitches are sometimes performed accurately and intonation is developing consistency

Articulation

☐ Articulations (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) are performed musically, accurately, and with contrast

☐ Contrast in articulations (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) is often apparent

☐ Interpretation of printed articulation (staccatos, accents, slurs, etc) markings is developing

Dynamics

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☐ Wide range of dynamic contrast and all dynamics are executed clearly and correctly

☐ Dynamic contrast is emerging

Tone Quality

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☐ Tone is consistently clear, appealing, resonant, and highly representative of the instrument across all ranges.

☐ Tone is developing warmth, resonance and focus but is inconsistent

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