Band Parent 101 - FAQs

We believe that a complete education in band includes both the marching and concert band experiences. All students in the band program are expected to participate in both marching and concert band, with the following exceptions:

1. Students who play a school-sponsored fall sport may participate in concert band only. Non-marchers may participate in individual or chamber music instruction during 5th period during marching band season. They are encouraged to receive private instruction and expected to practice during this time to further develop their playing skills.

2. Color Guard members who do not play a wind or percussion instrument may participate in marching band only.

3. Students who attend an approved technical school or other off-site alternative educational program (e.g., Tolles, Emerald Campus) that prevents 5th period attendance may participate in marching band only.

4. Any other request for an exception must be submitted in writing to the band director. Requests are not guaranteed and will be carefully considered by the band directors and school administration.

If you have any questions related to your child's participation in band, please Contact Mr. Abrams directly.

A student may enter the Band program at any time with the permission of the Director and the required level of proficiency. Once a student has entered the program, continuous participation is expected until such a time that the student leaves the Band program permanently.

Individual practice is an absolute necessity for personal and group improvement. Students should be practicing outside of school rehearsals at least 2 hours each week (approx. 20-30 minutes a day).

All students will be evaluated on the basis of four criteria:

1. Attendance

2. Performances

3. Work Habits

4. Musicianship

The Band Director will observe each student’s performance in the first three of these areas and assign a grade for each area based on the rubric on page 6 of the Band Handbook. Each area represents 25% of the student’s final grade.

Musicianship will be assessed by playing tests, music checks and performance tests given in each grading period, as well as observation of student performance in rehearsal. This area represents the final 25% of the student’s final grade.

In order for any band to function properly, it is imperative that its members are present at all times. Band members are required to attend all rehearsals and performances, and attendance is factored into the grade each student receives for the class. The directors will make every effort to schedule events well in advance to allow ample time to resolve potential conflicts.

Absences will only be considered excused when prior permission is given from a Director and only for a valid reason. Valid reasons include:

a. Personal illness

b. Illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child

c. Quarantine of the home

d. Religious Expression Days (up to 3 school days)

e. Death of a relative or family wedding (up to 31.4 school hours /5 days)

f. Absence during the school day for professional appointments

g. Work at home due to absence of parents/guardians

h. Family emergency (up to 31.4 school hours /5 days)

Documentation is required for all excused absences; a note from a parent may not suffice to excuse the student. If however, the student misses three or more days in a row due to illness, a doctor’s note may be required to both excuse the student and reinstate him or her into regular rehearsals.

Absences due to work conflicts, lack of transportation, extra-curricular activities, homework, standardized test preparation and administration, or studying will not be excused. Each student is responsible for budgeting his or her time and staying organized throughout the season.

During the Marching Band season, no student is to plan involvement in any activity that may conflict with band rehearsals or performances.

Any unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance may result in any or all of the following. Consequences are at the discretion of the directors.

a. Loss of performance opportunity

b. Removal from leadership position/loss of award

c. Dismissal from ensemble

Lessons are not required. However, the single best way to maximize musicianship is to study privately with a qualified instructor. All students are encouraged to take private lessons regardless of their current skill level.

A list of approved private instructors can be found here. If you already have an instructor who is not on this list, or if you have any additional questions, please reach out to Mr. Abrams or Mr. Dillion for more information.