Unit Plan 22 (Grade 7 Band): Evaluating Performances
Evaluate Grade 7 band performances using a clear rubric (tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, expression), citing measures or timestamps as evidence, and write a performance evaluation report with actionable improvement steps.
Focus: Evaluate band performances using established criteria (tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, expression) and justify judgments with evidence.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Band (Responding • Critical Listening • Assessment & Reflection)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn to think like ensemble adjudicators, using clear criteria to evaluate band performances instead of relying on vague likes and dislikes. They listen to recordings (including their own ensemble, when possible) and use a performance rubric to assess tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, and expression. Students practice citing specific musical evidence—measures, moments, or timestamps—to support their judgments. By the end of the week, they will complete a Performance Evaluation Report that rates a recording using established criteria and proposes practical next steps for improvement.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to evaluate a band performance using clear criteria instead of just personal opinion?
- How do tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, and expression each affect the overall quality of a performance?
- How can we use specific musical evidence (measures, moments, or timestamps) to justify our evaluations?
- In what ways can evaluating performances help us set goals and improve as individual musicians and as an ensemble?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, and expression in recorded band performances.
- Use a performance rubric to rate band performances on each criterion, differentiating between strong and weak examples.
- Cite specific musical evidence (measure numbers, sections, timestamps) to support evaluation decisions.
- Write or present a Performance Evaluation Report that summarizes strengths, areas for growth, and concrete improvement suggestions.
- Apply insights from performance evaluations to personal and ensemble practice goals.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade Band (custom, NAfME-style)
- BD:Re9.7a — Evaluate band performances using established criteria (tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, expression) and justify judgments with evidence.
- Example: Students use a rubric to rate a performance and cite specific measures as evidence.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what tone, intonation, rhythm, balance, blend, and expression mean in a band performance.
- I can use a rubric to rate a performance on each criterion.
- I can point to specific spots in the music (measures or timestamps) to justify my ratings.
- I can write or speak about a performance in a way that is respectful, specific, and helpful.
- I can use what I learned from evaluating performances to set goals and improve my own playing.