Attendance at ALL performances and rehearsals are mandatory.
Expectations of a Performing Ensemble
Every member of an ensemble is important to its overall success. As members, we rely on each other to be at all rehearsals and performances. Absences affect not only the individual, but the group as a whole. This interconnection is what makes playing music in an ensemble special!
All performances of any ensemble are outlined on our calendar of events and will be communicated prior to the start of the school. If any performance is added to any ensemble, proper notice will be given (a minimum of two weeks). Any additions will be kept to a minimum and will be discussed with members prior to putting them on the calendar.
If there are any transportation concerns, please communicate those in advance so solutions can be worked out. We don't want an absence to occur for an unnecessary reason. We will work together to make sure all students are present at rehearsals and concerts. However, ultimately it is the responsibility of the member and guardian(s).
Funeral of close family member.
Illness that prevents you from attending school.
Wedding of immediate family members
Must be communicated in advance.
Work.
Non-school related activities.
Forgetting.
Oversleeping.
Lack of communication.
Tardiness has a negative effect on any group. All students are expected to be on time for rehearsals and performances. On time means to be early enough to have all of you equipment ready to go, in the proper location, for the starting time of the rehearsal or performance.
Everyone can have an issue once or twice that can cause them to be late. You are given TWO grace tardies (5-10 minutes max). If a tardy occurs after the second occurrence, a meeting will be scheduled with one of the directors to discuss how the situation can be improved. If it continues, a parent/guardian will be contacted. If the situation does not improve, you may be dismissed from the group.
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances are mandatory to remain in the ensemble. An absence will only be excused for the following reasons: illness, injury, death in family, or a school-related conflict. A school-related conflict (such as a game for a sport) does not count toward absences. If the student is absent from school, the rehearsal absence will be waived. It will not be charged as an excused or unexcused absence. Students are allotted one excused marching performance (either a football game or parade) per school year (this does not mean you should plan to miss a performance). Receiving an excused absence falls to the responsibility of the student. The Winter Concert, Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal, Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal, and Spring Concert will not be excused with the exception of extreme circumstances (as determined by the director), and an alternative assignment will be provided.
For an absence, the student must fill out the appropriate request form and have a parent sign it. This form is due forty-eight (48) hours before the scheduled absence. If the form is not submitted within this time, the student will be charged with an “unexcused absence.” Any absence not brought to the attention of the director for approval prior to the commitment date will be considered “unexcused.”
In the event of an emergency (illness, etc.) a note from a parent must be submitted to the director within forty-eight (48) hours. The note must explain why the student failed to attend or was late. All absences will be considered unexcused unless the appropriate form is completed (or in the event of an emergency, a note is received).
An unexcused absence also carries a penalty of a zero (0) for that day’s activity (rehearsal or performance). Only in cases of extreme emergency or extreme illness will a student be excused from a performance, and must complete an essay or other assignment as determined by the director to earn make up credit.
Unapproved and excessive lateness to Band functions will not be tolerated. Any student who desires to be excused for part of a rehearsal must follow the same procedure as above and fill out the appropriate excuse form.
Any student who fails to receive approval for a tardy will have points deducted from that day’s activity grade.
All calendar information for the Music Department can be found on the Music Department website, as well as the calendar in the music room. Check these regularly for any changes or additions. (tinyurl.com/musiccalcn)
Marching in the parades is required to remain in marching band.
Performing in Graduation is also mandatory. Please plan accordingly.
It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the band schedule and to arrive and to be picked up on time to and from all commitments. Any amendments to the schedule will be conspicuously posted.
If a student misses consecutive games/practices, they will be unable to march in the performance. However, they must still attend the performance and play in the stands/from the sidelines.
Being in the band means that you have agreed to be here on many specials days, and holidays such as Memorial Day, and Graduation. Work will not be an excused absence. All upperclassmen are reminded to plan their ACT, P-SAT, and SAT testing days according to the band schedule. On days that this cannot be avoided, please fill out the proper paper work. You are being given ample notice to plan around the calendared events!
The above attendance policy is strictly enforced!!