Handbook
----------
Attendance Policy

All students in the MHS Band are required to participate in the marching band as well as a concert band/colorguard/percussion class. Students must attend all required rehearsals and performances for each group in order to maintain membership in the band program. All rehearsals and performances are listed on the band calendar posted at www.martinbands.com. Performances include but are not limited to football games, marching contests, Arlington 4th of July Parade, pep rallies, Preview Night as well as concerts for concert bands/jazz band/percussion and color guard contests.

The following guidelines will be used to govern absences to out-of-school rehearsals and all performances:

All band students must know and abide by the school attendance policies. Absences and tardiness will be excused, assuming proper notification, in the following cases:

-Medical emergency, personal injury, personal severe illness (follow up with doctor’s note when applicable)
-Death in the family (with note from parent)
-Family weddings (see notification policies)
-Conflicts with other UIL activities (see notification policies)

Examples of unexcused absences and tardiness include but are not limited to:

-Any work-related conflict
-Over-sleeping
-Tutorials
-Transportation not arranged.
-Scheduling conflicts with other activities or events that are not communicated with the band directors.
-Anything deemed unexcused by school policy.
-Absences that are unreported according to band guidelines

Notification of Absence

For known absences (weddings, doctor appointments, etc.), students must post on the Absence Request Link located at www.martinbands.com at least one week prior to a rehearsal/event absence or two weeks prior to a scheduled performance for it to be considered excused. A follow-up doctor’s note is required within three school days of the absence when applicable. Students that attempt to deceive the directors regarding the nature of their absence will be referred to their Assistant Principal for disciplinary action.

For unplanned, emergency absences (personal illness, death in the family, etc.), parents will need to email Mr. McCann (bmccann@aisd.net) within 3 days after the student’s return. Unexcused absences and tardiness may result in, but are not limited to:

-Grade deduction
-Loss of performance status
-Expulsion from the band program – no fee refund will be given

Absences:
In order to retain a spot in the competitive show, a student cannot miss more than one rehearsal each month, excused or unexcused. This includes all after-school, evening, or morning marching rehearsals. Students who miss the major rehearsal before the performance, i.e., Thursday rehearsal before a Friday football game, will not be allowed to attend the football game.    

Tardies:
Any unexcused late arrival (tardy) or early departure will result in loss of points from their Participation grade. Multiple tardies or early departures can  result  in loss of performance status. A late arrival/early departure of 15 minutes or more  will count as an absence. Three tardies will equal one unexcused absence.