Rehearsals

Because Band is a performance based art, attendance is an essential element for the success and development of the entire group.

All Band students are required to attend 2 mandatory before school ensemble rehearsals (period 0) per week and one small group lesson which will occur as a pull out that rotates throughout the school day. (click on link for more information!) There is flexibility built within the schedule to minimize academic conflicts.

Students are to be dropped off for Period 0 rehearsals between 7:00 am - 7:20 am. Attendance is taken at 7:20 a.m. Period 0 begins promptly at 7:30 am. A friend finder carpool link for rideshare possibilities will be shared with all band and orchestra families after fall ensemble placements.

Unexcused period 0 rehearsal absences include:

  1. Students who are in school during the school day, yet do not attend period 0 rehearsal (including doctor appointments).

  2. Students who schedule extra academic help during period 0 band rehearsals (Band is also a core subject. If extra academic help is needed in another core subject, students need to arrange for help on a non band rehearsal day).

  3. Any club activity that interferes with any rehearsal one month before a concert event. Students are encouraged to participate in clubs that do not meet on rehearsal days.

Students who are in school and do not attend period 0 rehearsals or small group lessons during the day will receive an F (50%) for individual/group performance.

The dress rehearsal (final rehearsal at HHS) and the rehearsals one week prior to the concert are mandatory.


REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE

Here are the expectations we have for our rehearsals at HMS:

1. Anything that disrupts the flow of a rehearsal is considered to be poor rehearsal etiquette.

2. Have all of the materials that you need. Stopping a rehearsal to get things wastes time.

3. Be ready to go when the rehearsal starts.

4. Every rehearsal has natural breaks or pauses in the routine. If you have a question, wait until there is a natural pause. Always raise your hand.

5. Every rehearsal goes through the process of breaking down the performance piece into small sections. Naturally, there is a lot of stopping and restarting. It is during these in-between times that the director or members will want to evaluate and describe the things that went well or need to be fixed. It makes sense that there is no talking during this time.

6. Often during a rehearsal, one section will rehearse while another section is left idle. When other sections are rehearsing, listen and watch what they are doing. You will probably have to do the same thing yourself. Whatever you do, do not talk or disrupt. The group leader will take this as a sign of disrespect to both the leader and the other performers.

7. Mark or make note of important things that the director or other members point out so that you will remember it next time. It is a waste of time to go back and relearn what you have already learned. Wasted time results in a sloppy performance.

​8. Make transitions smooth, quiet, and seamless.