Parent & Student Handbook
Attendance
Attendance of all band students is required at all rehearsals and performances. This statement, although simple is our most fundamental of working principles and is strictly administered.
The philosophy is that the High School Band is performance oriented and that we are only as strong as our weakest link. We cannot perform our most effective without all members in attendance.
The student's grade in a particular nine weeks period will be directly linked to his/her attendance at Band performances/rehearsals.
If a student is absent during the school day (either for illness or suspension) it is School Policy that they are not permitted to participate in that day'ss after school activities. If this absence is on a Friday then the student is permitted to participate on a Saturday or Sunday.
If a student has a medical emergency, an excuse note from their doctor and/or emergency room attending doctor is required.
In the event of a rare Sunday performance exceptions are made for those students who may have a religious conflict with the Sunday performance.
Complete attendance at all days of Band Camp is mandatory. Students who are unable to attend ALL of band camp may not be permitted to be a member of the band for that particular year.
Attendance at the summer instrumental music sectionals is required but exceptions are made for vacations.
Attendance for auxiliary groups (Majorettes & Colorguard) at all rehearsals is mandatory.
During the first three weeks of marching season, once school is in session, students will be required to stay for band rehearsals until the end of the Middle School day (3:05) and will be permitted to ride the Middle School bus home during this time period.
In addition, for the first week of Marching Band Season (Aug. 24) there will be one after school rehearsal on Thursday, September 3 from 3:05 to 5:00 P.M. Attendance is mandatory.
There is also a rehearsal on each of the days that we attend a band festival. The rehearsal will usually be held at the high school an hour and a half before we leave for each festival.
Typically, in addition to the marching season there are three Concert Band performances: our Holiday Season Concert in December, a Spring Concert in late April or early May, and each year for Graduation.
Schedules for all Band performances and rehearsals are posted well in advance and therefore it is expected that accommodations by the students and their families be made to follow this schedule.
Students or parents who willfully lie about missed band performances, illness, or absences will result in the student's expulsion from the band and the student will receive a failing grade.
Only rare exceptions are made by Mr. Riffle for missing a performance or rehearsal during the school year, these would include once in a lifetime events or an immediate family members wedding that was scheduled well in advance of the posted schedule for the year. There will be no consideration made for events such as concerts. These exceptions are done on a case-by-case basis and Mr. Riffle's decision is final.