Attendance for most band events are mandatory! The only excusable absences are prearranged school conflicts and those that would be excused by the school for regular attendance records, e.g., illness, a death in the family, or a religious holiday. Individual needs will be addressed as they occur. This system is subject to modification by the director. Work and any other outside of school activity are unexcused absences for any band event. Make sure you are aware of the band schedule for the entire school year before you agree to a work schedule. All evening rehearsals and after school performances are required and go in the grade book.
Performance no shows! In the event of a missed performance, students will be required to complete a Concert Critique or a Composer/Piece Research assignment to make up for their absence.
For all absences, the following procedure must be followed by the student and parent:
The director must be notified 2 weeks in advance or as soon as the situation arises.
An absence form must be filled out and on file.
For illness, a parent note or doctor’s excuse must be submitted.
Follow-up is the sole responsibility of the student!
If you are considered absent from school, you are not allowed to attend that evening’s band event. For example, if you are absent from school on a Friday you cannot march that evening.
Expectations: You have made a commitment to be in the Midview Band program. Everyone is counting on you! In order to have successful band rehearsals and performances, it is essential that we have FULL attendance. The absence of one person not only affects that person, but also the entire group. The critical factors of uniformity, balance, spacing and alignment cannot be improved or maintained with absences.
*All performances and rehearsals are required, you must attend.
Legitimate Excuses: Legitimate excuses for rehearsal or performance absence are illness, family vacation, accident, or serious illness/death in the family, and doctor’s appointments. Students must bring an excuse note from a parent or guardian following any absence that was not submitted via the Absence Form.
Unexcused Absences: Absences, tardiness or leaving early because of work or homework are not excused. Repeated problems with absences, tardiness or leaving early from rehearsal will be given appropriate consequences regarding performance opportunities.
Ask: If you are not sure or have a request, problem, or question, ask the band director at the earliest possible time.
And always remember, the band calendar is set in May and YOU signed up for band. Take responsibility and know the calendar.
Make-ups: If you are excused from a rehearsal or performance, you will be required to complete a Concert Critique or Research Project.
All Make-ups are to be done by the end of that 9 weeks or that make-up will result in a ZERO. This is the student’s responsibility, not the Director’s.
*Always refer to the sportsYou Calendar!
Resolving conflicts between band and other activities or events is the responsibility of the student. Rehearsal and performance schedules are given out in advance so that arrangements can be made. When outside activities create conflicts with band, the student will need to consult with the band director about possible alternatives. Students should have a calendar and be aware of all band dates well ahead of schedule. It is the policy of the band director to assist students when conflicts occur. Students are reminded that band is a very demanding activity and that involvement in outside activities should be limited to those compatible with the band schedule. All conflicts with performances must be resolved in favor of band participation. Work is not an excuse for missing any band activity.
The bulk of our grades are performances, particularly in Q1. Rehearsals, pep bands, concert reflections, and any topical assessments the director sees fit also contribute to the students' grades each quarter.
Performances
All Concerts (10+ football games, Parade of Bands events, 2 parades, December concert, March concert, OMEA LGAE, May concert) are required.
Students are allotted either 50 or 100 points for performances depending on how many performances are in the grading period. Points can be lost based on:
Missing instrument, accessories, music
Incorrect uniform
Tardy to set up time
Tardy to performance time
Disrespecting the directors, the district, or other musicians
Unexcused absences (make sure your absence form is turned in at least 2 weeks prior)
Inappropriate cell phone use
Rehearsal during the day
Students are expected to arrive to rehearsal on time, retrieve their instrument, music, pencil, and proceed directly to their seat in the rehearsal room.
Rehearsal outside of school
Students are required to attend all outside of school rehearsals. These constitute Thursday Evening Rehearsals during football season and our Large Group Workshop in February. Check the sportsYou Calendar for specific after school rehearsal dates.
Practicing
The only way for students to take true ownership over their performances is to practice their part outside of school. During school, rehearsals are meant to bring all of the parts together to create music. Students must learn their parts outside of class so they can have a proper contribution to the group. When practicing at home, USE A METRONOME and TUNER.