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School music programs excel during music assessments
Congratulations to the following students, directors, and schools on their Virginia Choral Directors Association (VCDA) and Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) music ensemble performance assessment results.
“This assessment is one important part of a high-quality, comprehensive school music program. Through participation in music ensembles, students contribute to their school culture and apply their 5C learning and college and career readiness skills, leading to their complete education. The performances were an exciting way to close out Music in our Schools Month,” said Kelly Dee, visual and performing arts curriculum leader.
Bethel High School Band
Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) Honor Band
Superior Rating
Hampton High School Band
Superior Rating
Kecoughtan High School Symphonic Band
Superior Rating
Kecoughtan High School Concert Band
Excellent Rating
Phoebus High School Band
Good Rating
Kilgore Gifted Center Band
Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon School
Superior Rating
Kilgore Gifted Center 7th and 8th Grade Chorus
Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Blue Ribbon School
Superior Rating
Kilgore Gifted Center 6th Grade Chorus
Excellent Rating
Assessment format
The format uses project-based learning inside curriculum embedded and complex performance assessments. The concert stage assessment consists of up to three prepared musical literature selections. One unannounced selection is learned in less than ten minutes and then performed by the students for the sight-reading evaluation.
Music Literature Grade Level
The music performed is selected from a state list, including thousands of pieces of music literature. The lists include high-quality literature determined to have educational and musical merit and are organized by difficulty level or “Grade.” Beginning ensembles perform Grade 1 through to college ensembles that perform Grade 6.
Adjudication
During each performance, trained and experienced adjudicators record audio and written comments using rubrics and rating sheets. For bands, performances are evaluated on tone quality, intonation, technique, rhythm, balance, musicianship, and general factors. For choruses, performances are evaluated on tone, intonation, diction, musical effect, and stage presence. The letter grades are then averaged to a rating.
Ratings
Superior = I = A
Excellent = II= B
Good = III = C
Fair = IV= D
Poor = V = F