ATTENDANCE POLICY - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

The William Short Jazz/Rock Ensemble performs three concert cycles per school year. You are expected to be in attendance and on time to every rehearsal and performance. We ask that you and your parents review the Jazz/Rock Ensemble schedule for the entire season and compare it to the other planned activities on your calendar. If you have an unavoidable conflict, the Jazz/Rock Ensemble has a limited number of excused absences per concert cycle.  YOU MUST PLAN AHEAD SO AS NOT TO EXCEED THE NUMBER OF EXCUSED ABSENCES.  In this planning process, please consider all of your sports and academic extracurricular activities, family vacations, etc. 

You are expected to be in attendance and on time to every scheduled rehearsal. If you have an unavoidable conflict, the Jazz/Rock Ensemble has a limited number of unexcused absences (1) per concert cycle. We have a total of 3 concert cycles throughout the school year:

1. Concert Cycle #1 (October 5-December 23).  Includes all rehearsals during this period and performances in December.  We will perform approximately 4 pieces.

2. Concert Cycle #2 (January 11-March 17).  Includes all rehearsals during this period and performances in March.  We will perform 4 NEW pieces, as well as music from the 1st concert cycle

3. Concert Cycle #3 (March 11-May 9).  Includes all rehearsals during this period and performances in May, as well as the end of year party.  We perform 3-4 NEW pieces, as well as music from the 1st and 2nd concert cycle.  

Consequences for more than 1 unexcused absence:

1. The student will not perform with the Jazz/Rock Ensemble at the conclusion of the concert cycle.  

2. The student will continue to come to rehearsals during the concert cycle.

3. The student will rejoin the Jazz/Rock Ensemble at the beginning of the next concert cycle; however, the student must demonstrate proficiency on the music from the previous concert cycle.  

Excused Absences (does not impact student’s participation in the group):

1. Student is sick and misses a full day of school

2. Student is sick and is signed out of school early

3. Funeral

***Students who miss a number of Wednesday practices due to sickness will need to demonstrate their proficiency on the jazz music prior to a concert cycle.

Unexcused Absences:

1. Any reason not stated above

2. Student forgets to attend rehearsal

3. Student does not want to attend rehearsal

4. After-school Homework Club

5. Travel sports or any other sport team not affiliated with Portage Public Schools

PPS Sport Teams and other Extracurricular Activities:

Sport Practices & Musical

Students who participate in sports or other extra-curricular activities must work out schedules so they can participate in both.  This is important as our group rehearses only one time per week!   Athletes & musical members are required to rehearse with the Jazz/Rock Ensemble from 2:50-3:35p, and attend practice from 3:35-4:15.  

Athletic Contests

Students who participate in a PPS sponsored athletic contest should attend jazz practice for as long as possible.  However, if you choose to play a sport that conflicts with the majority of jazz band practices, you should not be in the after-school jazz band.  Be sure to look at the athletic schedules, which can be found on the middle school athletic department websites.  If you do not see a schedule posted, contact the athletic director.