VARSITY BAND LETTER REQUIREMENTS
The Varsity Band Letter represents excellence in music, commitment to the organization, perseverance, and teamwork. To earn this letter is an honor and these requirements are what the staff and student leaders believe is a system that makes the expectations clear, attainable, and will raise the level of musicianship in the band program.
- Participate in marching band and symphonic band. If you are unable to be in the band class due to schedule conflict then you must attend all after school rehearsals for marching band. If you are not in 2nd semester it will include the Symphonic Band camp, all regularly scheduled after school rehearsals, performances, and also participate in Solo and Ensemble in two events, both of which must earn an Excellent rating or higher.
- You must earn the grade of B or higher in the band class (86% of students did this last year).
- Color Guard Members earn their letter by participating in color guard for the entire marching season.
- In addition, you will complete one of the following:
- Complete master musician program OR
- Pass audition and Participate in District Honor Band OR
- Take the District Honor Band Audition (do not have to make it) and participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival and earn an Excellent rating or higher. OR
- Participate in UGA Honor Band and Play a Solo at Solo and Festival.
- NOTE: Jazz Band participation can be substituted for C and D
The letter represents commitment, attitude, and attendance as well, the following will be used in conjunction with the above criteria:
- Tardy to a function -1
- Mishandling Uniform -3
- Late Turn-ins of materials, e.g. uniform -3
- Unexcused Absence from rehearsal –5
- Unexcused absence from a Performance -10
- Disrespect to student leaders or chaperones -5
- Disrespect to staff/chaperones (variable up to –10)
The Director/Staff reserves the right to make additions to either of these lists if the need arises.
Any combination of -10 points will result in the loss of your letter
Points can be added back on in the following ways:
- Band Work Detail( +1)
- Attending an Optional Rehearsal (+1)
- Performance of an Additional Solo/Ensemble Entry that Earns an Excellent Rating or Higher (+5)
- Ga Tech Games (+3)
- Exceeding a fundraising goal (+1)
- Attend an Outside/Approved Concert (+2)
- Completing Student Conductor Program (+3)