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Rubric for Singing

COMMENTS:
Grade 4-8 D C B A
Grade 1-3 Beginning Satisfactory Proficient Excellent MARK
Melody, Pitch
and Pitch
Direction
Developing towards
singing in tune.
Limited breath control.
Pitch is uncertain.
Sings some simple
songs mostly in tune.
Developing breath
control for typical
patterns. Has difficulty
with managing pitch
control.
Sings simple songs
easily and manages
some more complex
tunes some of the time.
Has adequate breath
control. Matches pitch
with few errors.
Confidently sings in
tune for most songs
appropriate to students
level. Proper breath
control enhances
phrasing. Matches pitch
reliably.


Rhythm Tempo/rhythm are
uncertain and irregular.
Some regularity in
tempo-rhythm, but
sometimes misses.
Maintains consistent
tempo/rhythm.
Maintains appropriate
tempo/rhythm for
given songscan
punctuate effectively
and independently.

Dynamics Dynamic level is often
too loud, overpowering
others, or so soft that
the song cannot be
heard.
Dynamic level varies
inconsistently, but is
developing towards
appropriate levels.
Dynamics are consistent
and generally
appropriate and
balanced within the
ensemble.
Dynamics are
appropriate for different
aspects of the song.
Reflects the notation
and/or the directors
intent.

Expression/
Phrasing
Monotonic or
inappropriate
expression mars
performance.
Expression is
sometimes appropriate,
but may be inconsistent.
Expression is generally
appropriate to the song
being sung.
Expression enhances
performance by adding
appropriate depth and
emotional range.



Focus Does not show
sensitivity to
conductors changes.
Ignores direction.
Occasionally hits
appropriate change or
responds sometimes to
direction given by
conductor.
Developing sensitivity
to changes and
responds to direction
given by conductor.
Has a confident
command of changes
and responds sensitively
to direction given by
conductor.

TOTAL
Vocal Performance

Superior
20 pts
Excellent
18 pts
Very Good
16 pts
Average
14 pts
Poor
12 pts

Pitch
Superior

Virtually no errors.
Pitch is very accurate.
Excellent

An occasional isolated
error, but most of the
time pitch is accurate
and secure.
Very Good

Some accurate pitches,
but there are frequent
and/or repeated errors.
Average

Very few accurate or
secure pitches.
Poor

Who needs pitch?

Rhythm
Superior

The beat is secure and
the rhythms are accurate
for the music being
sung.
Excellent

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.
Very Good

The beat is somewhat
erratic. Some rhythms
are accurate. Frequent
or repeated duration
errors. Rhythm
problems occasionally
detract from the overall
performance.
Average

The beat is usually
erratic and rhythms are
seldom accurate,
detracting significantly
from the overall
performance.
Poor

Ain't got no rhythm.

Tone Quality
Superior

Tone is consistently
focused, clear, and
centered throughout the
range of the voice.
Excellent

Tone is focused, clear,
and centered through
the normal singing
range. Extremes in
range sometimes cause
tone to be less
controlled. Tone quality
does not detract from
the performance.
Very Good

Tone is often focused,
clear, and centered, but
sometimes the tone is
uncontrolled in the
normal singing range.
Extremes in range are
usually uncontrolled.
Occasionally the tone
detracts from overall
performance.
Average

The tone is often not
focused, clear, or
centered regardless of
the range, significantly
detracting from the
overall performance.
Poor

Mumbles, shouts, sing
inappropriately, or will
not sing.

Expression and Style
Superior

Performs with a creative
nuance and style in
response to the score
and limited coaching.
Follows melodic
direction.
Excellent

Typically performs with
nuance and style that is
indicated in the score or
which is suggested by
instructor or peer.
Very Good

Sometimes performs
with nuance and style
that is indicated in the
score or which is
suggested by instructor
or peer.
Average

Rarely demonstrated
expression and style.
Just sings the notes.
Poor

Expression and style is
comparable to a dead
rodent.
Diction
Superior

Student articulates
clearly and the text of
the music is
understandable.
Excellent

Student articulates the
words somewhat clearly
and the text can be
understood most of the
time.
Very Good

Student is sometimes
articulating the words,
but the text is often not
discernable.
Average

Student rarely
articulates the words
and the text is not
discernable.
Poor

No clue as to what the
student is singing.
Possibly singing in a
different language.

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