Marching Band & Pep Band Grading

The Marching Band and Pep Band at Sedro-Woolley High School are made up of all the members of the Percussion Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. These two ensembles perform at community and athletic events several times per year and students are expected to attend every scheduled performance and evening rehearsal. However, because students and their parents are not always able to attend or provide transportation to every single performance or rehearsal that the Marching Band or Pep Band has scheduled, I grade attendance for these ensembles according to the following rubric (plus or minus points affect the point total earned through assessments):

Marching Band (Football Season)

Approximately 12 dates

Including evening rehearsals

Attendance	Assessment	Grade (points)
0 absences	Superior	+1
1 absence	Adequate	No change
2-3 absences	Partial	-1
4+ absences	Poor	-2

Pep Band (Basketball Season)

Approximately 12 dates + playoffs (if applicable)

Attendance	Assessment	Grade (points)
0 absences	Superior	+1
1 absences	Adequate	No change
2-3 absences	Partial	-1
4+ absences	Poor	-2

It is imperative that all students attend all rehearsals and performances. When students are missing, they are not learning. Additionally, they are missing out on valuable information and performance experience. Worst of all, when parts are not being played and positions are not being filled, everyone from the students to the players to the community notices and it makes the band look less than its best. These performances and rehearsals are not an “extra”; they are an integral part of a complete musical experience and education.

When students cannot make a rehearsal or performance, they must contact Mr. Hendry via phone message or e-mail before the start of that event to explain the situation. Often transportation is the biggest issue and if there is enough prior notice, then we can find a solution so that no student misses a rehearsal or performance. If no prior notice is given, Mr. Hendry will have to assume that the student is skipping the event and that absence will be considered unexcused. Even if you are sick, it is not difficult for you or your parent/guardian to call or e-mail your band director. Please make an effort to do so!