Attendance Policy

Before registering, please take the time to read our attendance policy.

Hudson Marching Band Attendance Policy

(revised February, 2022)

Attendance is critical. While we are flexible, and allow members to be involved in other activities at the same time, members (and parents) need to make a serious commitment to the ensemble. We do not have extra members that we can plug in if another member is missing and the visual component of marching band demands that all members be in attendance on a regular basis. It is not a simple matter if someone is missing that they find out what they missed and get caught up. Formations on the field are nearly impossible to learn and retain with members missing.

It will be the job as an ensemble member (and parents) to schedule other activities around the marching band schedule. This includes scheduling work. Any pre-arranged absences must be documented (in writing) no less than 7 calendar days in advance and then be approved by one of the directors. Only illness, a family emergency or a pre-arranged group conflict will be recognized as an excused absence. In the event that there would be time conflicts with other school organizations, it is the responsibility of the student to achieve equitable balance between the conflicts.

All fall sports schedules (with conflicts highlighted and resolutions noted) must be turned in to the Directors by July 25. In the event that a sport adds an event on top of an already scheduled marching commitment, attendance at the marching commitment takes priority.

If a student misses a rehearsal and did not communicate this absence 7 calendar days in advance, that member will be held out of the next performance.

If a student misses 2 performances as a result of this policy, that member will be released from the ensemble.

If a student misses a performance for an unexcused reason, that member will be released from the ensemble.

Items of special consideration:

HOMEWORK: While members are students first, members will need to be responsible about planning and homework management. Using a planner and budgeting time will make it easier for members to stay on top of their studies and not create a problem with attending rehearsals or performances. Therefore: it is not acceptable to miss rehearsals because of homework.

REHEARSALS LEADING UP TO PERFORMANCES: While it may be excusable to miss a rehearsal right before a performance, the Directors reserve the right to hold performers out of performances that they feel the performers will not be ready to do well. For example, Johnny has a Horseshoe match the night before a home game and miss’s rehearsal. At that rehearsal, we teach the band how to get on and off the field, there is no way that Johnny is ready to perform at the level of the rest of the band. The Directors may decide to hold him out of that performance. Another example is if a member has missed too many rehearsals and the Directors feel that it is best for that member and the rest of the band, that member could be held out of a performance at the discretion of the Directors. These decisions made by the Directors and are final.

In the rare instance that a student is involved in multiple activities outside of marching band, equitable time sharing between all activities is expected.

Bottom line:

Plan ahead.

Communicate.