1. Bring all required materials to class everyday.

2. Do not bring extra materials to your seat in rehearsal.

3. Eyes on the teacher when he or she is talking.

4. No student is to touch or handle another student's instrument or materials.

5. No gum, food, or drink is to be consumed in the band hall or fine arts area.

6. Instruments should be stored in your slot with the instrument in your case and the case latched closed.

7. Instruments should be taken home everyday.

8. Students should be in their seat, ready to start class, when the tardy bell rings.

9. Do not do anything that interferes with the teacher's ability to TEACH.

10. Do not do anything that interferes with the ability of other students to LEARN.

Student grades are based on the following scale:

50% Tests- includes playing tests, written tests, and major assignments

30% Daily Work- including playing tests given for daily grades and quizzes

10% Homework- includes practice reports

10% Performance- As mentioned above, all rehearsals and performances are required of all band members and are graded activities.

A student who misses school with an excused absence on the day of a rehearsal or performance is excused. We do ask that you call the day of the performance to let us know the situation.

A student who has an unexcused absence from a band activity will be given the chance to make up the activity (at a reduced grade) by completing an alternate assignment such as a report, taped activity, or by practicing in the band hall after school. In the case of a missed performance, the student will be graded at the following rate:

Assignment completed on first day after unexcused absence: -11 points

Assignment completed two days after unexcused absence: -21 points

Assignment completed three days after unexcused absence: -30 points

Assignment completed on fourth day or after: grade of “0”

*This same rate above applies to past due practice journals.

If a student misses a major test with an unexcused absence or fails to turn in on time a tape or assignment that is worth a major grade, the student will be penalized as follows:

First day assignment is turned in late: -25 points

Second day late or after: grade of “0”

A student who has an excused absence from school on the day of a sectional, clinic, rehearsal, or performance also receives an excused absence from the band event; however we do ask that you still call the band office if possible just to let us know of the student’s absence.

In order to receive an excused absence from any scheduled band event, the student must turn in a written note signed by a parent to his or her director. The director will then review the note and inform the student and parent as to whether or not the excused absence has been approved.

An absence will be determined as excused or unexcused depending on the circumstances. This decision is at the director’s discretion.

The following timeline is a guide as to when notes should be turned in:

For absence from a CLINIC or REHEARSAL held outside of the school day: 3 school days in advance

For absence from a CONCERT or other MAJOR PERFORMANCE: 2 weeks

For absence from a CONTEST PERFORMANCE or PRE-UIL: 1 month

Unexcused absences can have an adverse effect on the student's grade, chair placement, and participation in band activities. If you absolutely must miss an activity due to an unavoidable conflict or family emergency, a written request by parent or guardian will be needed. Please submit request in a timely manner. Requests will be reviewed and excused at the directors' discretion.

In the case of a true emergency where advance notice is not possible, we ask that you contact the directors as soon as it becomes practical.