Attendance and Grading Policy
In order to maintain the high standard of excellence achieved by the Gold Star Marching Band, certain attendance regulations have been set, which will be strictly enforced.
Attendance is mandatory at all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and performances.
Rehearsal begins at 4:05 pm with fundamentals. Please have a pencil and required music/materials for the day, out on the field by 4:05 pm. Those with issues that might prevent them from being on time should discuss those with the Band Secretary. Otherwise, students are expected to be in their places ready to play at 4:05 pm. Students will get two sets of whistles by the Drum Majors. Whistles will blow at 5 minutes, 1 minute, and finally at 4:05pm. Any students without excuse will be considered tardy after this time.
Recurring absences or tardies must be approved and discussed in advance by the Band Secretary as soon as possible.
Students should always fill out the Absence Form on the band website in the event of any absence, whether it is a notification of illness/unforeseen events or if it is in advance of an absence or tardy.
Students are allowed four absences that will not affect his/her final grade. Any absences beyond the allowed four are to be discussed with the Band Secretary. There are no excused or unexcused absences. Plan your four absences accordingly if you know of days you will be gone. If absences are not discussed with the Band Secretary, your grade will be lowered accordingly:
4 absences = A
5 absences = B
6 absences = C
7 absences = D
8 absences = F
Absences (or tardies) due to illness, University authorized activities, emergencies, or other extenuating circumstances must be explained and/or documented to the satisfaction of the Secretary. We know circumstances beyond your control will come up throughout the season. It may be a funeral, a medical emergency, a sick family member, an accident, etc. These types of events will not count toward your absences. In addition, if you know of a wedding, anniversary, family reunion, or any other event you may have during the season, please let your section leader know as soon as possible, as well as the Band Secretary. Since performances at football games are the primary function of the marching band, attendance at games is mandatory. For example, your high school’s homecoming game, dance, championship football game, or other similar non-NDSU functions do not qualify as excusable events.
For ALL excuses, you must submit your request to the band secretary on the band website, preferably at the beginning of the semester. When in doubt, please ask the Band Secretary. Please refer to the section below for grading regarding game absences.
WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE CRITERION FOR EXCUSING ANY STUDENT, REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES, WILL BE THE JUDGMENT OF THE SECRETARY.
All university band grades are determined primarily based on:
• Attendance,
• Maintenance of high standards of performance, and
• Adherence to the policies and procedures set forth by the Band Policy Guidelines (see above)
You will be e-mailed by the band secretary after your second absence.
An unexcused absence from a performance results in an automatic F for the course!
Tardies
After three tardies, you will be e-mailed by the band secretary. Three tardies are equivalent to an absence. Additional absences could result in your not performing at a game and/or in a reduction of your grade.
In the end, we want you to be at rehearsals as much as possible. Your contribution helps with drill, sound, and helping the band have fun. However, we know there are days when you may not want to be at band, you are sick, or you need to go home, etc. Therefore, we know there will be days when you will not be there.
WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE CRITERION FOR THE FINAL GRADE IS THE JUDGMENT OF THE SECRETARY AND DIRECTOR.