The purpose of these requirements and expectations is to outline the policies that govern the Santa Monica High School Band and to help everyone enjoy their participation in the band. All band members participate in band for many reasons. We hope that one of the reasons you are in the band is to perform and learn great music with a great band. The band staff here at Santa Monica High School hopes that you will enjoy your time with the band. We also hope that you learn about music, yourselves, and others. These requirements and expectations will help us focus on the tasks ahead of us and will help us realize our potential.

A successful band requires a great deal of dedication, and discipline on the part of its members. Being in a band is similar to participating in team sports. TEAMWORK is the key to success. Although individual needs are important to everyone in the band, each band member must also consider the needs of the GROUP. Participation in a band can and will meet individuals needs through TEAMWORK.

These are the kind of students that will make a successful band:

1. Students who really want to be in the band.
2. Students willing to improve.
3. Students who will ALWAYS represent SAMOHI, and THEIR PARENTS in a positive light.
4. Students willing to commit their FULL attention to the band when at rehearsals, performances, and other band functions.
5. Students who follow directions the first time.
6. Students willing to work hard.
7. Students who are reliable (That means they show up, and are early to rehearsals and functions.)
8. Students who really appreciate the work put in by everyone to help them become successful.
9. Students committed to the band.

Many individuals past and present have worked hard to build the great reputation the SAMOHI Band has. It is our responsibility to our school and our parents, to maintain this great reputation. It can only lead to more wonderful things!

Requirements

1. Grades.
1. All members must have at least a 2.0 GPA in the Spring semester prior to the coming band season.
2. Any failing grade will disqualify any band member.
3. Starting in the Fall of 2000, band members must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA each semester to qualify for enrollment in Marching Band.
2. Prerequisites.
1. All members must be concurrently enrolled in a performing music class. All marching band members must be enrolled in one of the following:
   1. Any Curricular Concert Band.
   2. Any Curricular Orchestra.
   3. Any Curricular Choir.
2. Any member choosing to drop their performing music class at the semester will not be allowed to participate in marching band the following year.
3. Color Guard members are exempt from requirements B-1 and B-2.
3. Attendance.
1. Attendance at all scheduled events are required unless otherwise noted.
2. Attendance at Band Camp is required. Any members missing camp will not be allowed to participate in Marching Band.
3. Any student with an unexcused absence will be subject to dismissal from the band.
4. Excused absences are:
   1. Medical/illness. (Chronic illness will result in forced resignation).
   2. Bereavement.
   3. Wedding in the Family.
   4. Absences that excused by the director.
5. Absence because of weddings or other type of absence should be discussed with the director at least a month in advance of planned absence.
6. ANY SUCCESSFUL BAND NEEDS COMMITTED MEMBERS. EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE AT ALL REQUIRED BAND EVENTS. IF YOU CAN'T FIT IT ALL IN YOUR CALENDAR, DON'T DO MARCHING BAND!!!!
7. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Members who are chronically tardy will be subject to dismissal from the band.
8. Grades for band are heavily dependent on participation. Excessive absences and tardiness will have a negative effect on grades.
4. Doing marching band and athletics. - Participating in marching band and an athletic team whose season is concurrent with marching season will be discouraged. MAKE A CHOICE!!!!.
5. Students found under the influences of, and/or in possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances during band events are in violation of the law and education code. Students in violation of laws, and codes governing drugs and alcohol during band functions will be expelled from the music program.
6. Hazing of band members will not be tolerated. Hazing in the name of the Santa Monica High School Band and/or its individual sections will result in immediate expulsion from the band for the responsible individuals. The responsible individuals and their parents can be held liable for damages caused by hazing activities.
7. Berating others on and off campus groups and organizations will not be tolerated. Individuals berating other groups will be suspended from one performance. A second violation will result in expulsion from the band.
8. Band members disrespecting Staff, and/or parent volunteers will be reprimanded. Severe cases will result in suspension, or expulsion.
9. Chronic disruptive behavior during rehearsals and performances will not be tolerated. Disruptive students will be subject to reprimand, suspension or expulsion.