Westview GOLD - Attendance

The performing groups of the instrumental music program rely on the participation of all of its members. Performances and rehearsals are scheduled well in advance. Students are expected to commit to the performances set. As described in the course description of our music classes “Attendance at all rehearsals and all performances is mandatory.” Any potential conflicts will be avoided with planning and organization. Communicate clearly your obligations at the start of the school year to any and all groups in which you will participate. Your family is expected to set all rehearsals and performances on your family calendar. PERFORMANCE AND REHEARSAL DATES are to be considered a previous commitment.

Students are graded on attendance and participation at all rehearsals and performances. It is essential that students fulfill the commitment of participation in marching band. The entire performing group is affected by each of its members. For this reason, unexcused absences from rehearsals and/or performances affect the overall grade a student receives. Overall grade will be lowered one grade for unexcused absence to rehearsal and two grades for unexcused absence to performance per incident. Excused absences may be granted by the director due to the following:

Family emergency – family emergencies do not include babysitting, work, concert tickets, shopping, etc
Religious calendar conflicts, provided prior written notice is given, will be excused.
Any attendance conflict created by another Westview school event (i.e. a sport meet, choir concert, etc.) will be settled by the director and coach at no penalty to the student.
Personal illness

Examples of absences that will not be excused:

Private lessons
Non-school related performance ensembles
Vacations
Study groups/studying for tests

Performance/Attendance policy:

Students missing rehearsals prior to performance may be excluded from the performance at the director’s discretion.
Students missing school the day of a performance may not perform with the group.

Singular excused absences will not affect the student’s citizenship or academic grade. Multiple excused absences will result in a lowered citizenship and/or academic grade.

Notes from the Band Director:

To members of the Westview Gold (band, color guard, and parents)

Our attendance policy is the same as other high schools in our district and typical of marching groups. The purpose of the policy is to communicate clearly the expectations for attendance. Marching Bands require a commitment from each of its members and each member is essential to achieving a quality performance. The intent is not to “win” or to be competitive. Instead, the focus is on goal setting, team building, and striving for excellence. These traits help students transition into young adults with an understanding of how to prepare and achieve success in any endeavor. Although the commitment may appear overwhelming, the marching band experience is invaluable to each of its members.

If the Gold member is unable to fulfill the commitment required of our marching group, Westview offers a course for students who wish to continue their instrumental music experience. The class is titled Instrumental Ensemble and is held during period 3. Westview is the only school in our district to offer this as an option. Program Change request forms are available on the school website and from the band office.

Jeri Webb
Director