The following statement of policy to all members of the band is made in order to achieve and maintain a high quality of music education and a high standard of musical performance.

Performances

Band is a performance-based class, therefore it is imperative that everyone is responsible for being prepared and playing in all required performances.  All performances will be scheduled and announced in sufficient time for the students to arrange their schedules properly.  If a conflict arises, we must be notified when it arises and no later than 2 weeks before a performance.  An alternate assignment will be given to make up the grade. You should register for band only if you are inclined to participate in public performances.

 Absences

All excuses from performances or extra rehearsals must be in writing and signed by a parent or guardian.  Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade.  Acceptable excuses will be determined by the director.

One unexcused absence from a class or performance will result in the lowering of the student’s grade.  An unexcused absence from a performance cannot be made up, and therefore no credit can be given.  An unexcused absence from a performance will require a parent/guardian conference with the instructor.  Two unexcused absences will result in referral to the building principal or his designee for further action.

Concert Attire

Dress shirt, dress shoes, dress pants or skirt/dress.

Lessons

Contact Ms. Lindner in person, via email, or by classroom phone to reschedule lessons before or at the time of the lesson. There will be no grade penalty. If the student does not show up at the scheduled time with no notice, the make-up lesson will be scored with a maximum grade of 18 out of 20.

Preparation

It is expected that students will come to lessons and rehearsals prepared.  This includes having practiced and learned your parts to the best of your ability and coming to rehearsals with proper materials. Practicing your instrument in a consistent manner will reap benefits and result in a rewarding band experience. 

Rehearsal Etiquette

1. Basic respect is expected among all band members.  You are there to support and encourage each other, not to criticize or belittle anyone.

2. During lessons and rehearsals, one person speaks at a time.  Questions or comments will be recognized by a raised hand.

3. If mistakes are made, do not laugh or turn around to see who made the mistakes.  No one gets to where they are without making a few mistakes along the way.

4. When someone is playing a solo, do not stare at them and do not finger along with them.  This is very distracting. Do not practice someone else’s solo within earshot.

5. When the conductor stops conducting in rehearsal, stop playing.  Continuing to play wastes everyone’s time.  It is impossible for the conductor to speak and give further instruction over playing.

6. Competition is hard to avoid in music, but only healthy and supportive competition will be tolerated.  For these ensembles to work well and improve, we must work together, not against each other.  This means that malicious behavior, derogatory statements, damage to or tampering with others’ instrument, equipment, or music, and general disrespect is unacceptable.

Grading

Students will be evaluated not only on academic achievement, but also on effort and attitude.  Each person’s effort is of utmost importance.  A good attitude includes being on time to rehearsals and performances, caring for supplies and equipment, respecting the director and fellow classmates, being attentive in rehearsal, and doing his/her part to create a superior group as a whole.

If there are any questions regarding this policy, please feel free to contact Ms. Lindner at school (746-1300).