Klarinet Archive - Posting 000941.txt from 1998/07

From: <SDSCHWAEG@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Re: "Pedistool"
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 1998 10:28:49 -0400

In a message dated 7/24/98 12:54:38 AM Central Daylight Time, webler@-----.net
writes:

<< "However, I wonder how inflated these competition ratings are. It's
not very helpful to and individual receives a high rating if it does not
truly reflect reality. Is the system designed to make students feel
good, or is it an honest appraisal of their actual ability?" >>
This is a tough one...at a high school solo/ensemble contest, what standard
should be applied when trying to assign a rating? Often, I hear judges who
are college instructors criticized for using "college standards" when they
don't give out many firsts. In any case, I think the comments are far more
valuable than the ratings, and am always appreciative when a judge gives my
students helpful comments that back up the ratings given. I dislike it when a
student is marked down in a particular category but no comments are made.
Best is when the judge not only says what they think could be improved, but
gives a suggestion as to how to do it (especially if the suggestion is
something I've been telling the kid for months!). Unfortunately, given the
short period of time allotted to each student, it's really hard for the judges
to be that thorough - I guess that gets back to your question of what the
ratings themselves are supposed to communicate.
Susan Schwaegler

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