Theory Instructions for District Chairs and Graders
Theory Test Administration
• Teachers have three options to administer theory tests to the students. Details on the District Theory page.
Grading Instructions
- A single grader is sufficient.
- Music notation should be written correctly. Example: whole notes are white, stems up on the right side of the notehead, half rests are colored in black, etc. If not, the answer is wrong. The theory grader should correct those mistakes. Do not mark for spelling and capitalization errors.
- On the written test, each question is worth two (2) points. On the aural awareness test, each question is worth one (1) point. Write in the aural, written, and total score on the first page. Each test level is worth one hundred (100) points.
- For grading questions, consult the District theory chair. If major discrepancies are found during grading, notify Davis Dorrough at dorrough1@gmail.com.
- Since students in twelfth grade are working towards theory awards, grade those tests first and return tests to the teacher. This will facilitate the process of applying for the State theory awards.
After Grading
- Return tests and awards to each teacher. Applications for the Theory Progress Award and for the Claudia Busse Award are on the OMTA website. It is the teacher’s responsibility to fill out the requested information and submit the online application by April 15.
- Theory grades will be entered into the Student Tracking System by the District Chair or a District Theory Chair.
DISTRICT THEORY AWARDS
Contact: Theory Award Coordinator , Jennifer Jennings- OMTAachievementauditions@gmail.com
Theory awards will be mailed after theory tests have been graded. Fillable Theory certificates are available on the OMTA website.
LEVELS 1-13
Grade of 100- Gold ribbon
Grade of 90-00- Blue ribbon
Grade of 80-89- Red ribbon
STATE THEORY AWARDS
OMTA Theory Progress Award
This award will be presented to each graduating senior who has shown outstanding progress in theory. This award will benefit late beginners and instrumental/voice students. Two theory levels may be taken in one year to meet the test grade requirements. Students may not receive both the OMTA Claudia Busse Theory Award AND the OMTA Theory Progress Award.
Requirements:
- Graduating Senior
- Starting theory level must be minimum of Level 4
- Must advance a level each year for 5 consecutive years
- Minimum grade each year must be 90
Teachers are responsible for submitting the online application by April 15th.
Questions? Contact Dorrough1@gmail.com, Davis Dorrough
Claudia Busse Theory Award
This award will be presented to each graduating senior who has taken the theory test for 4 consecutive years (starting in the 9th grade) and has advanced each year to the next level. Two theory levels may be taken in one year to meet the test grade requirements.
Requirements:
- Starting theory level must be level 8 or 9
- Three test grades 80% or higher
- One test grade 75% or above
- Average score of the four tests must be 80% or higher
Teachers are responsible for submitting the online application by April 15th.
Questions? Contact Dorrough1@gmail.com, Davis Dorrough