Told the kids at the end of school and multiple times over the summer that spots would be going to those that attended summer band. I've got mid 70s in the band and we are marching 50. Full backing from the administration. I'll have an alternate line standing in the back on Friday night, but contest days they are moving equipment and props and then lining up on the wall out of the judges' line of sight.

Same thing here. New director, 1A school, inherited issues from predecessor...even though he was successful. Most of the band has been at rehearsals regularly...a few have been absent some due to their summer work schedule, but they spoke with me in advance. There are about 4 that I have not heard from or seen. Rest of the band told me that these four have bad attitudes, and are unreliable. I asked what the previous director did, and they said that he just let things slide, put them in the show anyway, and they just walked all over him (didn't show up for rehearsal, etc.); really pulling the progress of the show down.

This year, those 4 are alternates, period. Even if I need them to plug a hole...nope...I'm going to march the hole. I will not let the band be held hostage by bad attitudes, poor work ethic, unreliability, and the mentality that we can't live without them.

A better plan would be stay this year and put up with it before leaving next year.

Does marching band not count towards the band grade?

It is obvious he would not be able to enforce an attendance rule while working with a lame duck,

If it were up to me I would much rather have a reward in place for those who have been showing up consistently but, I’m not in charge. I just get to observe and encourage students who have been showing up and working hard and hope they don’t notice the kids who are frequently absent haven’t been held accountable and won’t be.

Worry about the outcome of consequences, as long as they’re fair and consistently applied. If students quit because there are high standards, that’s okay. If students quit because they don’t have the grit to get up every morning, be on time, and make every rep count while dealing with being uncomfortable out in the heat that’s okay. Those are the kids that will hold you back come October. If students quit because they don’t want to be held accountable to performing their music at a high level or because they are physically out of shape to deal with the pace and intensity of what we are asking them to do then so be it. The ones who stay through all the challenges mentioned are the ones who possess the winning mindset that leads to greatness come October. Marching band isn’t for everyone.