We are looking at our very outdated letterman policy which currently awards a student a letter in band for faithfully participating in 2 region marching contests (so essentially two marching seasons and a concert season). Jackets aligning with athletics are typically ordered in the late fall.

I was planning to implement a point system that includes all region and solo/ensemble involvement- but a question was raised since we have advanced to the State Marching Contest a number of years in a row if that should qualify all marching students for a letter. I do want to recognize that achievement and athletes who go to state in their sport earn theirs even as freshman. Since it is more of a team achievement I'm not sure how I feel tying jackets to where they automatically get it if we advance. Not to mention we have students who are alternates who do not march and play- as much as I appreciate their role as prop managers is it deserving of a letter?

Don't get me wrong- I am all about recognizing and pumping up our students' success- just want to make changes cautiously.

Any small school programs out there willing to share their criteria? Thanks!