Our Grading System

At Clovertone Music we base our grading system grades 1 to 4+ which closely resembles the publishing grades you are used to seeing; Grade 1 being for beginner bands, and 4+ being advance senior high school to professional difficulty.

Jazz Band

Grade 1

Band Type: Beginner bands

Range:

Rhythms:

Line Independence: Horns play as a section unless a soloist is featured.

Improvising: Mostly blues scale, very basic modal improvising. Sample scales are provided.

Rhythm Section: Click to View

Goal: Each chart has an opportunity to teach specific musical skills and appreciation.

Grade: 2

Band Type: Intermediate Bands

Range:

Rhythms:

Line Independence: Still mostly sectional unless a soloist is featured, occasional double duet within the section.

Improvising: Basic modal improvising, some very simple chord progressions, sample scales provided.

Rhythm Section: Guitar will rarely have chord diagrams, Piano has written voicings and symbols, sample drums patters provided.

Goal: Very educational, with more style variations.

Grade: 3

Band Type: Senior High School

Range:

Rhythms:

Line Independence: More line division within sections, lead parts are sometimes independent from the section.

Improvising: Simple chord progressions.

Rhythm Section: Slashes used for Guitar and Piano, advanced drum figures written out.

Goal: Semi-professional material playable by students.

Grade: 4+

Band Type: Advanced schools bands, college/university bands, professional bands

Range: Professional ranges

Rhythms: At the composer’s discretion.

Line Independence: At the composer’s discretion.

Improvising: Simple to advanced harmony.

Rhythm Section: Click to View

Goal: To showcase Canada’s finest composers.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Clovertone Music’s grading system please don’t hesitate to contact us.