Attendance

Effective Immediately: All absence requests must be submitted by the PARENT/GUARDIAN using the links below.

Colorguard Absence
MB Hornline Absence
Percussion Absence
Orchestra Absence
Band Absence (Not Competitive MB)

Attendance Policy

To have and maintain a high-quality instrumental music program, member attendance is essential. We have established the following attendance guidelines for participation in ensembles that meet exclusively outside of the school day. Participation in these ensembles is a choice, and with that choice, a high level of commitment is expected.

For absences during the regular school day, please contact the Buchanan Attendance Office (559) 327-3037) or Alta Sierra Attendance Hotline (559) 327-3500.

Student Performer
Attendance Expectations

These expectations apply to the following ensembles that primarily meet outside the school day: Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra, Winter Guard, & Winter Percussion.

  1. General Attendance

    • All rehearsals and performances are mandatory.

    • Performances are complex and require every member’s full commitment. One absence impacts the entire ensemble.

    • Excessive absences may result in dismissal from the ensemble.

  2. Absences Due to Illness

    • A parent/guardian must email notes@becmusic.org and the ensemble director (links above) as soon as it is anticipated that the student will miss rehearsal.

    • Texts, BAND app messages, or student emails do not excuse an absence.

    • Students should also notify their section leader.

  3. Absences Due to Family Emergency

    • Make every reasonable effort to contact the director/lead instructor before rehearsal, or as soon as possible.

  4. Absences the Week of a Competition/Performance

    • Any absence during the week of a competition/performance—regardless of reason—may make the student ineligible to perform, at the director’s discretion.

    • Because performances evolve rehearsal to rehearsal, full participation that week is critical.

  5. Extended Illnesses or Injuries

    • Missing two weeks of rehearsals before the first competition/performance, or one week after the first competition/performance, may result in dismissal from the group, at the director’s discretion.

  6. Participation at Rehearsals

    • Students must fully participate. If unable to rehearse (e.g., sitting out for more than 5 minutes), parents will be called to pick up the student.

    • We cannot provide supervision for students who are not fully participating in rehearsal.

    • If a student needs to leave the rehearsal area, they must notify the director/lead instructor first.

  7. The One-Absence Rule

    • Each student is allowed one excused absence per season for a specific, pre-approved, unavoidable conflict.

    • This absence:

      • Must be requested at least one week in advance

      • Does not apply the week of a show

  8. Performances & Shows

    • Students are expected to attend from the beginning of the itinerary until the end.

    • Missing a performance may result in dismissal from the ensemble.

    • If a student must leave immediately after a performance, notify the director in advance—we will try to accommodate.

  9. Scheduling Appointments

    • Do not schedule routine, non-emergency appointments (dentist, eye doctor, etc.) during rehearsals or performances.

  10. School-Day Rehearsals

    • For ensembles that rehearse during the school day (e.g., Winter Guard, Winter Percussion), please notify us in advance if you will be absent from school.

Any anticipated absences must be submitted via the links above as soon as you become aware of the anticipated absence, but no less than one week before the absence.

If it is less than one week before the absence, you must speak with a director in person before submitting an Excused Absence Request.

Band

Orchestra