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High school music teacher proposes weighted honors track inside ensemble program
Summary
A Revere High School music teacher proposed a voluntary honors track tied to solo and ensemble achievement, community performances and mentoring. The plan would award weighted credit and a small extended‑credit recognition for preseason hours; counselors and administrators said they support developing the proposal.
High school instrumental music teacher Tom Sierra presented a proposal on Feb. 11 for a voluntary, honors‑weighted track within existing ensemble classes to recognize and advance high‑achieving music students.
Sierra said the proposal keeps ensemble participation intact while giving students a menu of activities—solo performance, small ensembles, public performances, research and mentorship—that would earn points toward a weighted honors designation. He said roughly half the points would come from a solo or ensemble adjudicated performance evaluated by outside judges (Ohio Music Education Association or similar). Other menu items include community performances, mentoring peers, research and reflective assignments.
Sierra said the honors option is voluntary and would be recorded within students’ ensemble experience rather than by creating a separate “honors” course that could fragment ensemble membership. He described an extended‑credit recognition (0.25 credit) for pre‑season participation that meets a minimum of 72 hours of instruction before the school year, in addition to standard performance obligations.
Counselors and administrators told Sierra they support continuing to develop the plan; teachers and staff will finalize points, grading and appeals procedures before any formal policy or curriculum change is placed on a regular agenda. Sierra also noted a multiyear plan to add AP‑level music courses such as music history in future years.
