ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICIES

1. Orchestra is unlike most other classes in that if you are absent, it affects the WHOLE class. In most other classes, your absence primarily affects only you, but your attendance in orchestra directly affects the ensemble’s ability to play music well, or for that matter to create any music at all. Therefore:

1. Participation at ALL orchestra performances and rehearsals, both during and outside of school time, is MANDATORY. This includes all school concerts and other performances as specified by the director for each orchestra. (For a list of mandatory concerts, please visit the Concerts and Participation page, as well as the Calendar of Events Page).

2. Additionally, students are expected to remain in attendance for the full duration of the concert; this includes the performances of ensembles in which the student may not participate (e.g., beginners should stay and observe the high school orchestra’s performance; this gives students perspective on where their perseverance and continuation in the orchestra program may eventually lead).

2. Students may claim exemption from concert participation if the absence is excused. Excused absences include the following:

1. Illness of the student

2. Death of a family member or close friend

3. Other situations will be considered on an individual basis by the director.

Note: Students needing exemption from concert participation MUST have a parent/guardian contact the director as soon as possible. A 24-hour notice is preferred.

3. In the event of a pre-existing conflict, a PARENT must notify the director via email well in advance (no later than one day prior to the orchestra event). In an emergency situation, please call 806.239.7791. Parents may add me as a contact. Students informing me of a conflict will be asked to have a parent email or call me for the official communication of the conflict.

4. The campus tardy policy will be strictly enforced in all orchestra classes.

Any unexcused absence at a school concert may result in a very low grade and consideration of leaving the performing group. An opportunity to replace the concert performance grade will be afforded to students with an EXCUSED absence only. The replacement assignment will be a report over a subject relating to orchestra and will be of an appropriate length, to be determined by the director. Students with an UNEXCUSED absence from a school concert will not be afforded the same opportunity.