The JTMMS Band Program is a performance-based class. These performances can be regarded as the “final exam” for a particular concert cycle or unit. As such, any rehearsals and performances that occur outside of the school day are mandatory for the class/ensemble/grade level involved. Unlike a sports team, there are no replacements for any members of our team. If we are missing a member then we are not performing at our full strength and this hurts the ensemble.
Communication is extremely important! Our schedule is finalized prior to the start of the school year and we stick to it as closely as possible. The expectation is that the required events are added to the family calendar at the start of the school year and other events that pop up are scheduled around these dates as much as possible. If a conflict does arise then it should be brought to the director’s attention with multiple weeks notice (except in emergencies or illness). It is ultimately the STUDENT’S responsibility to communicate with both the director and their parents/guardians. However, information on these events is posted online and a heads up from a parent or guardian is appreciated.
Official Absence Request Policy
A physical note (handwritten or typed and printed) explaining the reason for the absence and signed by both the student and the parent must be given to the director at least 1 week before the performance date. Emails will not be accepted. In the event of an emergency or sudden illness, the same kind of note must be given to the director within 2 days of the student returning to school for it to be considered an excused absence. If the note is handed in and the absence is considered excused, the grade for the event will be dropped for that student and an alternate assignment may be given. If the proper procedures are not followed or the absence is considered unexcused the student will receive a 0 for that event that cannot be made up.
Below are examples of excused and unexcused absences:
Excused
Unexcused
Communication is extremely important! Our schedule is finalized prior to the start of the school year and we stick to it as closely as possible. The expectation is that the required events are added to the family calendar at the start of the school year and other events that pop up are scheduled around these dates as much as possible. If a conflict does arise then it should be brought to the director’s attention with multiple weeks notice (except in emergencies or illness). It is ultimately the STUDENT’S responsibility to communicate with both the director and their parents/guardians. However, information on these events is posted online and a heads up from a parent or guardian is appreciated.
Official Absence Request Policy
A physical note (handwritten or typed and printed) explaining the reason for the absence and signed by both the student and the parent must be given to the director at least 1 week before the performance date. Emails will not be accepted. In the event of an emergency or sudden illness, the same kind of note must be given to the director within 2 days of the student returning to school for it to be considered an excused absence. If the note is handed in and the absence is considered excused, the grade for the event will be dropped for that student and an alternate assignment may be given. If the proper procedures are not followed or the absence is considered unexcused the student will receive a 0 for that event that cannot be made up.
Below are examples of excused and unexcused absences:
Excused
- Illness - anything that prevents the student from fully participating in the activity (flu, strep throat, etc.)
- Family - weddings, funerals, family emergency (must communicate in advance when possible)
- Sports - games or meets are excused as long as all parties have attempted to work out a shared schedule
- Religious Holiday/Obligations - Yom Kippur, confirmation, etc. (excused with prior notification)
Unexcused
- Minor Illness or Injury - If the student can still participate in some manner without further injuring themselves or spreading the illness to others then they should be at the event (accommodations can be made as necessary)
- Sports - practices are generally not excused since band is a part of school and counts towards a grade
- Religious Services - We understand the importance of religion, but cannot arrange an effective schedule around all religious services and events. If a music event conflicts with a religious service, please make arrangements to attend a different service that week.
- Absences without prior notification for non-emergency reasons will be considered unexcused
