1. Expectations

"Everybody...All The Time"

*Students are expected to be in their proper seat and/or drill spot as indicated on the chalkboard, ready to rehearse by the tardy bell. Students who come in late to class, or who are in class but do not have everything ready to go (instrument, music, etc.) will be marked tardy unless they have the proper pass.
*Students are expected to maintain good discipline during rehearsal; do not talk while the instructor is talking, and raise your hand to ask questions (questions are welcome!). Students who are a disruption to the learning environment will be verbally warned; any further disturbance will result in a discipline referral to the Assistant Principal, and/or removal from that day’s class.
*Each student is expected to come to rehearsal every day with a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn and improve.
*Do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the band room.

2. Performances
*Attendance at all performances is MANDATORY. Work is NOT an excuse for missing a performance. The only excused absences that will be allowed without make-up credit being required are as follows: extreme personal illness, death in the immediate family, wedding in the immediate family (sister, brother, parent), sports performance conflict (at director’s discretion if conflict cannot be worked out between events), or legitimate religious obligation/observance. Please consult the EHS Handbook and the EHS Band web site for a complete list of performances (http://www.district140.org/EHS/Band.htm).
*In order for any absence from a performance that is listed above to be considered as excused, the student must bring a signed note from their parent or legal guardian as far in advance of the absence as possible, or immediately thereafter. An absence from performance for any reason other than those listed above will result in a make-up assignment requirement in order for the student to receive credit as "excused" for the performance that was missed. If the assignment is not turned in by the due date listed, then the grading penalty outlined below is applied.

3. Grading
*Students are graded by using a Daily Evaluation using observable assessment of 4 points...20 points possible per week, 180 points per nine weeks. The Daily Evaluation is the most important assessment; everyone is evaluated in terms of their rehearsal attitude, participation, and musical improvement. Forgetting an instrument, not having your drill book during rehearsal, or displaying a poor attitude and an unwillingness to learn will obviously result in a lower grade.  Semester Finals are given at the end of each semester, and count as 1% of the total semester grade (these evaluation instruments are designed to measure how students are mastering concepts that are taught through performance-based strategies so the curriculum can be enhanced and improved).  Writing assignments may be given at any time at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading Scale: A...180-167; A-...166-162; B+...161-157; B...156-149; B-...148-144; C+...143-139; C...138-131; C-...130-126; D+...125-121; D...120-113; D-...112-108; F...107 and below.

*Any unexcused absence from a performance during the nine week grading period results in an AUTOMATIC lowering of the grade by two letters; therefore, someone with a mathematical “A” cannot earn higher than a “C” for the nine weeks.
*Two unexcused absences from performances during the nine week grading period results in an AUTOMATIC failing grade for the nine weeks; the student may also be removed from class for the remainder of the grading period at the discretion of the director.
*Being “out of uniform” for a performance will result in an automatic lowering of the grade by one letter.

4. Travel
*Students are required to travel on school transportation to and from every performance...NO ONE is allowed to drive themselves to or from a performance that takes place off campus. (Special allowances are made for sports conflicts, in which case a parent will drive students with the appropriate permission slips).  Students are expected to display appropriate behavior as representatives of Eureka High School, as is outlined in the Handbook.  Violations of the handbook will be dealt with immediately, and can include being removed from a performance and receive an unexcused absence for that performance.

5. Concert Dress
*Formal concert dress for the spring indoor band season is the following: Girls...black pants or skirt (must be below the knee when sitting), white top, black dress shoes (toes must be covered). Boys...black pants, tailed and collared white shirt that is tucked in, black socks, black dress shoes.

6. School Instruments/Uniforms
*Students who use school-owned instruments are expected to take care of them as they would their own. The student, NOT the school, will be responsible financially for repairs to school-owned instruments that are damaged beyond normal wear.
*Each student must take care of their uniform responsibly. Uniforms that need to be dry cleaned during the marching season will be cleaned at the student’s expense...DO NOT have the dry cleaner bill the school, as it will be refused.  All students need to wear silk-type boxer shorts under their uniform pants, and a black t-shirt underneath their jacket, and must provide black socks.  Orders for marching shoes will take place after uniform fitting; purchase price is the student's responsibility if there are no leftover shoes found to fit you (leftovers are "first come, first served").

7. Miscellaneous
*Students will NOT be able to buy reeds, valve oil, sticks, or other instrument accessories through the Band Director; students must purchase these items on their own. I will be happy to recommend the best products, and those that I think are best for each student. Please patronize the local music dealers in our area: The Music Shoppe of Normal has a web site where you may order supplies with a credit card or by check: http://www.themusicshoppe.com/home.php Also, Kidder Music of Peoria is a good place to buy accessories.