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Course Information |
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Information relating to this class... |
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Absences:
Students are expected to be at all class meetings and performances. In
the case of pep band, absences are more likely to occur due to their
frequency. Students who turn in a pep band absence form may receive
partial or complete credit for their absence, depending on the reason for
absence. The director reserves the right to request documentation
in addition to the absence form. Absence forms need to be turned in
prior to the performance, unless extenuating circumstances prohibit this, in
which case the student should submit the form by the next class period.
Unexcused absences will result in no credit for the performance.
School-related activities (athletics, cheerleading, concession stand, etc.)
are considered excused absences, and students who miss for these reasons will
receive full credit provided the director is aware of the activity in
advance. For performances other than
pep band, written documentation as to the reason of the absence is
required. Students should inform the director of the absence as soon as
possible, in case the absence means that part assignments or musical
selections need to be altered or changed. If documentation is not
submitted or the absence is deemed unexcused, no credit will be given.
In the event of a question, the director and/or the administrator may use
discretion to determine and verify the legitimacy of the absence. Your attendance is very important. As a performance-based class, we devote
weeks and/or months to each performance. Our program and your peers count on
you to be present and contribute positively to our performances. In music there is no bench-only
starters. When you are not at a
performance the quality of our performances suffers. From time to time other unforeseen and unavoidable conflicts may arise. Since a policy which would anticipate every possible cause of absenteeism is impossible to formulate, such conflicts will be evaluated on an individual basis. The following criteria will be considered: 1) Is the absence unavoidable or is there an alternative. (If a clear alternative is available, the student should be present.) 2) Is the absence school related, job related, etc., or is it recreational in nature. (Generally enough notice is available so that job conflicts should be minimal for pep band and avoidable for other performances. The most current schedule of events is always available on my website. Major events or district/regional/state SDHSAA events should always take priority over minor events. If a student has a conflict due to another school-related activity, the student should come talk to the director and the other activity director to make sure an understanding is reached by all parties involved.) 3) Was notification given far enough in advance to minimize the impact on the rest of the group. (If you will need to miss a concert it would be far better for you to discuss the matter 2 months in advance rather than 2 days in advance.) |
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Awards/Lettering:
Students will letter in band based on a point system. Students must
earn 20 points and be at all major performances (or have an excused absence)
in order to letter. Instrumental music students are eligible to win the John Phillip Sousa Band Award, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award (for those in jazz band), and the Rodney Schaffer 101% (in odd-numbered years). Outstanding musicians are also selected from each class. |
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Dress and Appearance:
Because the instrumental music program is a very visible representation of
the school and community, good judgment is necessary. Apparel with beer
logos, improper sayings or messages of an immoral nature intended to imply
inappropriate innuendos, and/or inappropriate neck ware will not be allowed
in school or when the student is participating in a school-related activity.
Violations of this policy will result in the student being requested to leave
the school premises or remove the inappropriate apparel. If students
are absent from a performance because of inappropriate apparel, any time they
miss will be considered an unexcused absence. Hats and caps should not
be worn in the school building during the school day, unless approved by the
principal for special occasions. Any student who presents himself or herself in a manner or appearance that is detrimental to the education process, may create a health or safety hazard, or invades the rights of others will requested to leave the premises or remove the inappropriate material. For marching band and some concert band performances, students will wear band uniforms. Students are to keep their uniform as clean as possible, and should hang their uniform up neatly after each performance. Students need to have completely black socks and black shoes for marching band. For concert band performances where uniforms are not worn, students should dress nicely (ex. no jeans or t-shirts). Dress clothes must meet the school dress policy. For pep band, students may wear clothes that meet the school dress policy. If necessary, the director may ask the student to change into more appropriate clothing. Students may not wear hats indoors for pep band. |
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Food & Drink:
Unless given express permission from the director, students may not chew gum,
eat food, or drink any beverages during any rehearsal or performance.
Water, with prior approval from the director, is permissible. Over time, sugars will cause metal instruments to rot and food particles will
clog up instruments. |
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Fundraising:
The instrumental music program participates in a magazine sale, usually in
late September or early October. Monies raised from the fundraiser are earmarked for
equipment and other special events and items. |
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Grading:
Students earn grades based on class participation and contribution,
proficiency on their instrument and music, performance and rehearsal
attendance, and other projects or work as assigned. The exact breakdown
of points varies from quarter to quarter. Copies of the points possible
will be posted in the classroom, and copies will be made available to
students and parents upon request. The schoolwide grading system is as follows: A 94-100%; B 86-93%; C 78-85%; D 70-77%; U 0-69%. An incomplete (I) grade may be given due to prolonged absence or other excusable activity pending the completion of any work. Beginning with the 2006-07 school year, students may choose to have their band grade count towards their GPA through the completion of additional coursework. For students electing this option, their semester grade will be computed as 45% for each quarter, with the final 10% coming from their grade on approved projects. Students who choose not to have their band grade count towards their GPA will have their semester grade computed as 50% from each quarter. |
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Performances:
In a typical school year, students participate in the following public
performances:
This schedule may vary slightly from year to year. |
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Punctuality/Tardiness:
Punctuality is a matter of habit which must be formed by consistent demands
that students be on time to all classes and rehearsals (marching band, jazz
band, etc.) outside of the school day. Tardiness is failure to be in your assigned spot at the prescribed time. Excessive tardiness will result in detention as per school policy. Students tardy for class need to provide the director with a pink pass before they are admitted to class. |
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Transportation/Lodging/Trips:
On several occasions, the band participates in activities out of town.
These include, but are not limited to, Gypsy Days (Aberdeen), Bowdle's
Homecoming, and Region Music Contests (Solo/Ensemble and Large Group) in
Mobridge or Pierre. Transportation will be provided by the
school. Parents may pick up their children at the conclusion of the
events. Please either give me a note and/or make sure I see you leaving
together. Any other transportation arrangements needs to approved by
school administration prior to the event. In the event that the above
policy is violated, the student will not be permitted to perform with the
group and will receive no credit for the performance. Students who are named to select groups that require overnight lodging will be provided lodging at school expense. Students on overnight trips will receive a meal allowance in accordance with current policy. |
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A Final Reminder:
Even if school is not in session or it is not a school day, as long as
you are participating in a school-sponsored event you are bound by the rules
set forth in the student handbook and as printed above. |
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return to the instrumental music page. |
