BEFORE and AFTER-SCHOOL

REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES

The number of students in the bands, the need to work with smaller groups of similar instruments, and the desire for quality music education demand that some time be devoted to rehearsal before school or after school.  Advanced Band students are expected to attend scheduled pre-school after-school sectional rehearsals for M.P.A. preparation (and/or for a special event).   Concert Band students may be required to attend a sectional rehearsal in preparation for a special event. Beginners are not required to stay after school.  Every effort will be made to keep pre-school or after-school rehearsals to a minimum, and to accommodate students involved in other activities. These students should see the Director to work out conflicts. If a student must miss a rehearsal or performance, the Director should be notified well in advance. Excuses should be presented at least 1 day in advance of a rehearsal, and a minimum of 2 weeks before a performance. The earlier a student notifies the Director, the more likely a request to be excused from a performance will be granted. BAND STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO GIVE BAND PERFORMANCES FIRST PRIORITY WHEN CONFLICTS ARISE.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 Rehearsals

Rehearsals are necessary (usually for Advanced Band) and are called only for the improvement of the band and to meet performance demands. The rich tradition of the Greenwood Lakes Band Program is built on its high standards, enthusiasm and dedication of its students, parents, Administration, and Director. 

The small group rehearsals (called sectionals) are a time for more one-on-one attention and to work on specific areas of music and technique for which the limited amount of class time does not provide.   Sectionals are usually, but not always, limited to the months immediately prior to the MPA performance.

 Performances

All band parents and students have a band calendar of events for the school year.  Therefore, all performances are mandatory, and there are very few – if any – acceptable excuses for missing a performance. Every student is a vital member of the team effort.  Absences not only affect the person missing the event, but they affect all other member of the band, causing a drop in performance standards.

The following policies are in effect regarding rehearsals and performances:

1.  All rehearsals are mandatory!

2. Any missed rehearsals/performances, excused or unexcused, must be made up (either before or after school).

3. Excused absences include previously scheduled school activities (at the Director’s discretion), unavoidable doctor’s appointments, extremely unusual family circumstances, and illness. A written excuse, e-mail, or phone call from the parent is required for an excused absence.

4.  Three unexcused absences (that are not made up) or more may result in a lower grade, ineligibility to participate in an activity (such as a field trip), or possible dismissal from Advanced Band.

Excused Absence

If a band activity is to be missed, an excused absence may be obtained only for the following reasons:

1. Death in the immediate family.

2. Extreme personal illness.

3. Situations involving extenuating circumstances, situations of a one time only nature, or circumstances related to personal/family emergencies may be excused at the discretion of the Director.  

4. In the case of students involved in sports activities: if the student has a scheduled sports event (i.e. next game or match) when the band has a rehearsal, the student should ask for an excused absence (and make it up at a time scheduled with the Director). When the band has a performance and the student has a practice, the student will be expected to attend the band performance.  Prior notification to Director is important.  Communicate!

5. All absences, except for illness, must be approved before the scheduled rehearsal or performance. If you ask for an excused absence after the rehearsal or performance, it will be denied.

6. An unexcused absence may result in a lower grade for the grading period. The student may be subject to a consultation for dismissal from the Advanced Band if it becomes necessary (at the discretion of the Director).