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Need creative solution for summer band conflict

Posted by Obi Ron Kenobi on 4/9/2025, 3:39 pm

We march 8th grade.
I have three 8th graders who are cheerleaders.
The mandatory JH cheer camp is the first 3 days of full band (these three will be at rookie week the prior week). They have paid for it and it's out of town.

I have the option of leaving any 8th grader in JH band, rather than promote to HS band. We always "hold a few back" and it works well!

All three play clarinet. They play well, are physically coordinated, responsible and mature. We need them in HS pretty bad.

Any time I excuse one kid, others begin to believe they need to be excused for something.

Do any of you have ideas or options for these three??

Re: Need creative solution for summer band conflict

Posted by Don't Sweat It... on 4/14/2025, 3:02 pm, in reply to "Need creative solution for summer band conflict"

If those girls are as good as you say they are, they will have no problem catching up three days when they get back from camp.

For the future, make sure you have in your band handbook what *specific* circumstances will be excusable absences--eliminate all possible grey areas--and how far ahead they have to give notice (this is to give you enough time to make any adjustments to the band setup...I ask for two weeks if at all possible, emergencies do happen). That will keep others from trying to find ways to get out of rehearsals.

For example, a couple of my beginners spoke to me prior to spring break that they might not make it to the Spring Concert in May. Legitimate reason for the absence, and they will be missed...but they took it upon themselves to let me know that there might be an issue two months ahead of time.

Re: Need creative solution for summer band conflict

Posted by Brkt87 on 4/10/2025, 12:03 pm, in reply to "Need creative solution for summer band conflict"

In my band, if they are missing summer band due to a conflict with another fall sport REQUIRED activity, they are excused...as long as they are working hard to catch/keep up when they are with us.

Re: Need creative solution for summer band conflict

Posted by Respectfully on 4/10/2025, 11:15 am, in reply to "Need creative solution for summer band conflict"

They're attending a school-related event for another organization. Why is this an issue?

If your handbook doesn't have language to support kids being in other activities, how can/do you allow volleyball/football players to march?

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