Attendance Policy

All classes in the Instrumental Music Department are ensemble performance classes.  A student's success is dependant on their contribution in rehearsals and performances.  Students must commit their time for the benefit of the ensemble team and for their individual success.

CALENDARS & SCHEDULES

• Calendars list the dates for performances and regular rehearsals.  Calendars are available in the music room and are provided to each student at the beginning of the semester. 

• Last minute updates in performance information are provided online at TritonMusic.org.

REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE

Students must attend rehearsals / classes to earn grade credit.   You cannot earn points for classes you do not attend, and a reasonable amount of absence (sickness or other) will not significantly impact a student's grade.  Students that are well enough to attend school during the day are expected to attend music rehearsals.  

• Excused absences are credited in three instances:  (1) the student is sick, and has missed the school day (automatically marked without a note); (2) the student has provided a note 5 days prior to the rehearsal of a medical appointment; (3) the student has suddenly become sick, and misses the next school day(s).  Students that are well enough to attend school during the day are expected to attend music rehearsals.

• Unexcused absences are credited for all other instances.  Some examples are (1) the student does not attend a rehearsal for another activity; (2) the student provides an absence note the same day of an absence (no prior notification), (3) the student attends tutoring on rehearsal days and does not bother to tell the director or instructor, etc.  Students with more than two unexcused absences are too busy to participate in the ensemble, and will be dropped.

• School Conflicts:  If a student is willing to communicate about conflicts with sports and/or other school activities within a reasonable amount of time (at least two weeks notice), conflicts may be handled between the director and/or teachers/coaches without penalty to the student.  Multiple conflicts are subject to the above policies.

• Exceptions:  Exceptions to the attendance policy are extremely rare. If you feel you have extenuating circumstances, your case will be handled privately.

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE

Students do not receive grade credit for performances they do not attend.  A student that cannot attend the performances will be removed from the ensemble. Students have five days from the release of the calendar to notify the director of a performance conflict.   After five days, all absences will be unexcused.  After five days, the music calendar will take precedence over any other sport or activity schedule handed out after the music calendar.

• An excused absence from a performance will only be allowed in two instances: (1) notification of a performance absence is received within five days of release of the new calendar; (2) sudden illness prevents a student from attending a performance and a doctor’s note is provided to the director as soon as the student is able to return.  Students with two or more school, sports, church, or other activity conflicts are too busy to participate, and will be dropped.  While continued illness is unfortunate, students ill for two or more performances will be moved to permanent alternate status.

• Unexcused absences are credited when the student does not attend a performance.  The student is dropped. Loss of position and a grade deduction will result from performance absences.  In all cases, loss of position will result if a section has to be repositioned for the performance. 

ALTERNATES

An alternate is a member for which there is no position in the competition show.

• Students that do not attend camps or rehearsals prior to the beginning of the class-grading period start the season as alternates.  Eventually, alternates are substituted into positions of members who do not improve, demonstrate poor behavior/attitude, or have the worst attendance.

• Alternates may earn another position, and the alternate with the highest position will be substituted first.  Alternates are ranked by the following criteria: (1) daily participation and attendance record; (2) demonstration of the competitive performance material; (3) willingness to learn and improve (overall attitude); (4) behavior in and outside of rehearsals.

MAKE UP ASSIGNMENT

It is extremely rare that a make up assignment is allowed for a performance. If the director allows you to make up missed performance points, it is due the day before or directly after your absence.  No late work will be accepted FOR ANY REASON.  Access to the make up assignment is at this link:   Make Up Assignment

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