JH Course Info

 

Information relating to this class...
Absences, Pep Band:  8th graders:  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.

7th graders:  Seventh graders are not required to be at pep band performances, and may miss any number of pep band performances without it affecting their grade.  Seventh graders receive extra credit points for each pep band performance.

 

Absences, Other Performances:  For both 7th & 8th graders:  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, no credit will be given.  In the event of a questionable, the director and/or the administrator may use discretion to verify the legitimacy of the absence.

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 if any.  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.)
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, students will wear band uniforms.  Students in odd-number grades are responsible for having their uniforms dry-cleaned, along with any other necessary repairs. 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 pep band, students will wear their pep band t-shirts and jeans for select events.  For other events, students may wear clothes that meet the school dress policy.  Students may not wear hats for pep band
Food & Drink:  Unless given express permission from the director, students may not have gum, food, or drink during any rehearsal or performance.   Over time, sugars will cause metal instruments to rot and food particles will clog up instruments.
Fundraising:  The instrumental music program participates in a magazine sale, usually in mid-October.  Monies raised from the fundraiser are earmarked for equipment and other special events and items.
Grading:  Students earn grades based on class participation and contribution, lessons which demonstrate the student's 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 prominently 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%.  A grade of incomplete (I) may be given due to prolonged absence or to complete necessary coursework in accordance with school policy.
Lessons:  In order for our students to reach their full potential, and for our program to maintain its high standards, it is important that we build on our existing skills.  Students will have regular lessons to help develop a level of musicianship that will foster a life-long love and appreciation of music.  See the lessons page for more details regarding lessons.
Performances:  In a typical school year, students participate in the following public performances:
  • Four marching band performances (Eureka Homecoming, Bowdle Homecoming, Schmeckfest, Gypsy Days)
  • Two home concerts (Winter/Christmas and Spring)
  • Pep Band.  The amount of games depends on the schedule.

In addition, eighth grade students will participate with the high school band students on their concerts.  The schedule may vary slightly from year to year.
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.
Transportation/Trips:  On several occasions, the band participates in activities out of town.  These include, but are not limited to, Gypsy Days (Aberdeen), and Bowdle's Homecoming. 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.
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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