Attendance Policy

SHS Band Attendance Policy

In order to maintain a high-quality program, attendance from all band members is essential. Unlike other classes where a student's success is based upon individual accomplishment, the band's success depends highly on complete member participation. There will be much new information presented at each and every rehearsal.

Communication is key. Please notify the director of any absences BEFORE they occur, if at all possible. Remember, band camp attendance is mandatory. Students missing band camp and excessive rehearsals can lose their spot in the competitive marching band show, at the director's discretion.

ALL MISSED AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS (whether considered excused or unexcused) MUST BE MADE-UP WITHIN 1 WEEK OF THE ABSENCE. This make-up time will be scheduled on a case-by-case basis between the absent student, the director, and student leadership team. Please do your best to schedule all non-emergency medical appointments for non-rehearsal days.

Please review the following attendance policy for the school year.

Absences from rehearsals

You are considered absent if you arrive more than 30 minutes late or miss an entire rehearsal. If you know that you will be absent on a certain date, you must hand a note from your parent directly to the director as soon as you know about the absence.

**It is the director's discretion to decide whether an absence is excused or unexcused**

Excused Absences

A student missing vital rehearsal time may be suspended without penalty from a weekly performance if, at the director’s discretion, the student cannot successfully perform at a high-quality level due to absences. (Please note: the student WILL perform in the stands at football games, regardless.) The director will decide what is excused and what is considered unexcused on a case-by-case basis. For an absence to be excused, the student must provide an acceptable note.

Unexcused Absences

A student with any unexcused absence from any rehearsal in a given week may, at the director’s discretion, be suspended from the next performance. The student's grade will also be significantly docked. An unexcused absence can result in dismissal from the band program and/or permanent removal from the year's competitive marching show, at the director's discretion. Examples of commonly unexcused absences are, “I forgot”, “I was busy”, “I had to work”, “I had something else to do”, etc.

Tardies

If a student is not in their warm-up or assigned position by the time attendance is taken, a student is considered tardy. Two unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence. The director shall determine what is considered an excused and unexcused tardy on a case-by-case basis.