Rubric - Percussion (African) Audition Rubric

A traditional 4-level, 100-point West and Central African percussion audition rubric scoring hand technique and tone, traditional repertoire, polyrhythm and interlocking, dynamics, and stylistic authenticity.
4 - Exceeds Expectation 3 - Meets Expectation 2 - Approaching Expectation 1 - Below Expectation
Djembe, Dunun & Traditional Rhythms
100%
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Hand Technique & Tone Production
20%
20 Points
Bass, tone and slap are all clearly distinct, resonant and produced with relaxed, efficient hands and full sustain....
15 Points
The three strokes are clearly differentiated with good tone; slaps are occasionally inconsistent....
10 Points
Strokes blur into one another and tone lacks resonance; tension limits endurance....
0 Points
Stroke types are not differentiated and no usable tone is produced....
Pattern Accuracy & Traditional Vocabulary
20%
20 Points
Accompaniment parts, echauffement and signature calls are all accurate and traditionally correct across multiple rhythms....
15 Points
Core parts and calls are accurate for the main rhythms; less common variations are approximated....
10 Points
Parts are partially learned and calls are unclear or misplaced....
0 Points
Traditional vocabulary is absent; the material is not recognizable....
Polyrhythm, Pulse & Interlocking
20%
20 Points
Holds an independent part against contrasting parts with an unshakable internal pulse and perfect interlocking placement....
15 Points
Maintains the part securely against other parts with brief moments of adjustment....
10 Points
The part is pulled toward other parts; pulse and placement drift....
0 Points
Cannot hold an independent part; the pulse is lost when other parts enter....
Tone Variety & Dynamic Control
20%
20 Points
Full dynamic range with expressive tonal shading; builds and breaks are shaped with complete control....
15 Points
Clear dynamic contrast and some tonal shading; builds are effective....
10 Points
Dynamics stay flat and tonal shading is minimal....
0 Points
No dynamic or tonal control; playing is at one uncontrolled volume....
Stylistic Authenticity & Communal Interaction
20%
20 Points
Deeply authentic feel with genuine responsiveness to soloists, dancers and calls; leads and follows with real cultural understanding....
15 Points
Authentic feel with clear responsiveness to calls and to the ensemble....
10 Points
Feel is imitative and responses to calls or dancers are late and uncertain....
0 Points
No stylistic authenticity and no interaction with the ensemble or calls....