Attention All "Next Season" Marching Band Members...

 Congratulations on an absolutely SUPER job in your Thursday night practices!   You're working hard and it shows!  Keep-up the good work!

BUT.... Before we go any further Mr. D. needs to be sure everybody (band members and parents alike) understand some things.  We apologize for  being blunt, but these things are really important!

1.  Beginning March 1st all Thursday evening percussion practices were made mandatory...that is, if the student is planning on participating in next year's band.  We are making changes in our instruction and style and everyone's presence is necessary so we can learn to work together and be on the "same plate" so-to-speak.   IF A STUDENT HAS AN ISSUE AND CANNOT MAKE A PRACTICE THEN THE PARENTS  ARE ASKED TO PLEASE CONTACT MR. D. BY PHONE OR E-MAIL WELL IN ADVANCE TO COMMUNICATE THE ISSUE WITH HIM.  Last minute texts to a captain or section leader from the band member will not suffice.  THE STAFF WORKS VERY HARD ON PRE-PLANNING PRACTICES AND WHEN STUDENTS ARE NOT THERE THE ENTIRE PLAN IS FOILED.

2.  I would say that 95% of our esteemed band members are always at practice, never make excuses and communicate when they have an issue.  We thank you all for that!!!  BUT. we have some band members who do not go through the proper channels, miss practices, are not prepared, etc... and that has a negative effect on their section and the band as a whole.  BEGINNING WITH THE BAND CAMP WEEK, IF A BAND MEMBER ACQUIRES 3 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES THEY WILL BE GIVEN A WARNING, WITH THE 4TH ABSENCE THEY WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON. 

3.  Acceptable reasons for missing a practice:  a) illness - (parents must call it in), b) "School sponsored" athletic competition - (student must make director(s) aware of it)

4.  Unacceptable reasons for missing a practice:  a) Social or family get-together (other than a wedding or funeral), b). attending another activity in which you may be interested-in (you've signed-on to your band or athletic team and you need to uphold your obligation to the group), c) work / job (trying to hold-down a job during the fall season is probably not a great idea).  If we have a cancellation due to rain (or other) we will re-schedule and you'll need to be there.

Again, I apologize for being so blunt, but when you have almost 100 members in a group policy and protocol really need to be adhered to.  PLEASE read the marching band handbook on the Centerburg Music Website so you are up to snuff about how things work.  Thanks for listening!