*Rant* My daughter's teacher is going to fail her before school even starts...

[klj27]

It seems to me that your daughter has a decision to make. If she wants to go on the trip I would suggest that she talks with her band director to see what options she may have.

This is my oldest's first year in marching band but I sent an email in January (when she was still in grade school) to see when preband camp would start. I knew that we would not be able to vacation after that date. We scheduled our vacation early in July to accomodate the band committment.

 

[ZuZugal]

Band is a school activity that is GRADED. Football, volleyball, and whatever other sports you are talking about are not graded. School does not officially start until after Labor Day, thus my child's grades should not be effected until the FIRST day of school on, not before.

NOT TRUE!!

My kids are in "sports PE" the last hour of school because of golf. They do not actually attend the PE class because they are gone for golf at that time of the day. Their "SPORTS PE" grade is totally based on their golf - INCLUDING ATTENDANCE!

I know you don't live in Illinois, but that's how it is here.

 

[mhsjax]

Half our band marched last fall with H1N1 and it IS a big deal if one person misses because it throws off the show and there aren't "reserves" to just "throw in". The shows they do are complicated and difficult and you can't just learn it in an hour, unlike cheerleading where they just stand on the sidelines and shake pompoms.



Gee, maybe the "my kids wouldn't be caught dead in band" comment and the fact that you said that band isn't popular there when I know there are a LOT of top bands in your area-maybe just not at your school??

I am sure your kids think band is for geeks but in areas where band is popular it is FULL of the "popular" kids. The past I don't know how many homecoming kings and queens have ALL been in our marching band. ALL of the top kids in the classes are in marching band. I could make similar comments about cheerleaders just being airheads to perpetuated that stereotype but I know better unlike your "knowledge" about marching band. The kids on the football team here always tell the kids in band that they could never do that because the band kids work so hard.

Ok I am not going to get into a fight with you but again, you aren't reading. I said that probably band they would have to march while sick. I also never said that they weren't popluar, I said down here in my area where I live, you don't live but where I live with a few exceptions. It just isn't something that the kids that mine hang around with do. But if they did the other kids would be ok with that.
I am sorry that you feel the need to tell me how and what the kids here in my area do and don't do, I never said that all band kids where geeks, just my kids friends don't want anything to do with it, most of their friends are into almost all sports, Also they are into their grade, most in advanced classes and most in national honor society, so they aren't all air head jocks either. Sorry but that is just the way it is. if your kids love band then fine mine don't but that doesn't make you kids better than mine or anyone elses.
Also my DD and cheerleading, well they have never stood on the side line and shook their pompoms, they don't even have pom poms, see they are a competition only squad, so they really bust there butts. OH and my DD is learning her routine know for competition in the winter. Also her coach has football players and she says the same thing about football players and the competitive cheerleaders, she would put the cheerleaders up against the football players any day.
I never said that band wasn't hard. Again, I never said band wasn't hard, you assume things again. I was talking about the commitment level and that I do understand what it means.

 

[golfgal]

Thank you all for your opinions and input. I am fairly new to this particular band program and do see valid points from all your opinions. In the end, it is up to my daughter. It is her choice to take the F or to drop the class. I will post what response I get from the principal but in the end, it is my daughter's choice and I can almost promise she will drop. An F is not an option for her, her report cards are important as are good grades for colleges to look at.

And by dropping band that will influence her college acceptances as well. Again, YOU did this to your child, not the band director and I hope the principal sticks up for the band director and tells you the same thing, I know our principal would and has.

 

[clori]

I was only in band for my freshman year of high school way back in the 80s. Our band was just band - you automatically did marching band and concert band no special other band types. Oh playing oboe did not get you out of marching band in the least but rather put you in color guard. I played clarinet and oboe so I choose clarinet for marching band over color guard and played oboe for concert band.

Before being allowed to even sign up for high school band we had to go to a meeting with at least one parent or guardian where rules were explained such as mandatory summer band camp (9-5 M-F at the high school for x weeks) and knowing once school started practices were every T/Th night in the fall from 6-9, Friday nights were either practice from 3-9 or a football game, weekends were practice 9-5 unless there was a football game or competition. Of course we also had band the last two periods of the day which could be for either marching or concert band. Since I am Jewish and was probably the only Jewish kid in the school system my mother did talk to the band director before I signed up to make sure I would in no way be penalized for missing the Jewish High Holidays. A few other parents got a day here and there excused for things like weddings. Basically the band director made a list of days he excused at the meeting and other days would not be excused easily. When it got closer to my 1 missed game a girl who played clarinet transferred to the school and learned my spot but after that it was awkward having to rework it for an extra person since in marching band competitions no one sits out.

After playing for 5 years I did decide to quit band. I loved concert band but honestly didn't really care for the time commitment of high school band. I also wanted to free up the two band periods a day for other classes. I was actually good at concert band and had gone to jr high all state band etc but just didn't love marching band enough for the time commitment.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

But then again and no offense to anyone but my kids wouldn't be caught dead in band. Sorry. Not a real popular thing down here where I live
maybe up north it is different, but down here not so much.

Saying "no offense" does not make a statement less offensive. And no, I'm not and never have been a band parent.

If you make the commitment to be in band, football, volleyball, whatever it may be then you need to be there when expected. It's not just band, it's the fall sports too. Practices start well before school starts and you are expected to be there. These schedules and expectations shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. At least they aren't in my area. Families should know what they are committing to and then be willing to follow through. If it doesn't fit into your summer schedule, that's fine. But then don't participate.

We had our HS soccer meeting a few days ago, and were read the riot act about missing practices. Miss practice for ANY reason...doctor's appt, death in family, ANYTHING...and you don't play in the next game. He's being more strict this year because of problems last year.

I know for a FACT that my daughter is not the only student missing at least one of these games. I know for a fact that in the past, students were offered to write a 3-page report to make up for a missed performance so their grade would not suffer. I hold a position on the band board and I know that this band director has made other arrangements for other students. He is not extending any other option to my daughter as he has made in the past to other students.

Why is he picking on your daughter? Is there more to the story??

Like I stated above, our soccer coach...after years of coaching and handling missed practices a certain way (can't play in the next game, but made exceptions)...realized it wasn't working and players were just taking advantage of the situation. Expecting a commitment from band members, but giving the option of a 3-page report instead if they're going to miss their commitment is such an easy way out, IMHO. Maybe IN THE PAST this option was abused and just wasn't working anymore.

 

[StacyMarie]

NOT TRUE!!

My kids are in "sports PE" the last hour of school because of golf. They do not actually attend the PE class because they are gone for golf at that time of the day. Their "SPORTS PE" grade is totally based on their golf - INCLUDING ATTENDANCE!

I know you don't live in Illinois, but that's how it is here.

When I said the sports were not graded, I was speaking of my daughter's school, not everybody's in general.

 

[threecrazykids]

Are you 100 % sure these are games and not scrimmages or even JV games? I'm not a stalker...but I see your location is Muskegon. I'm just saying this because my cousin's kids go to school in Muskegon and we were talking about going to watch them play this year and she mentioned that we would have to come in Sept because there were no football games until after Labor Day. Maybe a different high school? I'm assuming there is more than one high school but I don't know. I'm from Iowa so all I know is what she said about her son's team.

She did mention something about there being a scrimmage prior to Labor Day, if we wanted to come up over Labor Day but it was an "away" scrimmage. I honestly have no idea I'm just wondering if he's trying to use these scrimmages as "dress rehearsals" and wants to try to force everyone to be there. If so, I'd be raising hell. Although, if there was a "contract" or anything that they had to sign stating they knew the requirements I'm not sure what your options are. I wish you the best.

 

[Allison]

I do hope it does work out for you and your daughter whatever that may be. I would be interested to know what the principal says so thanks for offering to share.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Band is such a wonderful option. The opportunities the kids have in band are just amazing. Our band kids have traveled all over the WORLD with our band. When my oldest was 14 he had a concert on the Great Wall of China-

Awesome!

 

[Christine]

Is there another school around you that might allow him to do that? I know that most of the Catholic schools here that don't have their own programs for things, music, sports, etc. often form cooperative agreements with the public schools so kids can participate.

I don't know what the marching band does for kids that are outside of the county school system. I do know that we are eligible for county services available through the public school (such as occupational therapy), but I don't know what the deal is for sports or clubs.

At any rate, he would never want to participate in a marching band where he was not part of that school. He's just not that much of a trailblazer!

 

[StacyMarie]

"Why is he picking on your daughter? Is there more to the story??

Like I stated above, our soccer coach...after years of coaching and handling missed practices a certain way (can't play in the next game, but made exceptions)...realized it wasn't working and players were just taking advantage of the situation. Expecting a commitment from band members, but giving the option of a 3-page report instead if they're going to miss their commitment is such an easy way out, IMHO. Maybe IN THE PAST this option was abused and just wasn't working anymore. "


He has his favorites, the students that are going into music after high school. Those are the students he has made exceptions to the rule before. My daughter is not going into music, thus the writing of the report has not been extended to her.

Don't you know, you cannot be going to college to go into music with a bad grade in band on your report card, RIGHT????

 

[smb6]

Wow! Hearing everyone talk about all these commitments makes me nervous. My two oldest are in band- on the middle school level. (They only have about 3 concerts per year, all practice is at school, and no marching band) It looks like we have a lot to think about and make sure they are truly committed before continuing this into high school......

 

[golfgal]

Ok I am not going to get into a fight with you but again, you aren't reading. I said that probably band they would have to march while sick.

Also my DD and cheerleading, well they have never stood on the side line and shook their pompoms, they don't even have pom poms, see they are a competition only squad, so they really bust there butts. OH and my DD is learning her routine know for competition in the winter. Also her coach has football players and she says the same thing about football players and the competitive cheerleaders, she would put the cheerleaders up against the football players any day.
I never said that band wasn't hard. Again, I never said band wasn't hard, you assume things again. I was talking about the commitment level and that I do understand what it means.

I realize full well what comp cheerleading is all about-the comp squad at our high school recently placed top 10 in nationals. I know full well they work hard but I was just making a point about you throwing out stereotypes of band members and how your kids wouldn't be "caught dead" in band. You did say that it wasn't a big deal if someone missed band because they can just send someone else in which shows you don't really know what this is all about.

 

[luvmy3]

And by dropping band that will influence her college acceptances as well. Again, YOU did this to your child, not the band director and I hope the principal sticks up for the band director and tells you the same thing, I know our principal would and has.

Dropping band will not influence it as much as her high GPA without band will. Besides she's a sophmore still has time to add to her extra curriculars.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thank you all for your opinions and input. I am fairly new to this particular band program and do see valid points from all your opinions. In the end, it is up to my daughter. It is her choice to take the F or to drop the class. I will post what response I get from the principal but in the end, it is my daughter's choice and I can almost promise she will drop. An F is not an option for her, her report cards are important as are good grades for colleges to look at.

It seems ashamed to drop a beloved activity over a vacation. Not the priorities that I would allow in my own home after all the preparation time that she has spent. I'm not sure you are making the right choice as it seems to teach "my way or the highway". I had a stepfather so rigid in beliefs of the school's time and his time. I did not hold him in high regard when his personal enjoyment (like a vacation) came at the expense of my success in school or an extra-curricular activity.

But to each there own. It seems you should have known prior to commiting and your dd never should have participated in the first place this particular year. Is she ready to give up band for the rest of her high school career over this 2 week choice right now?

 

[momx2]

Thank you all for your opinions and input. I am fairly new to this particular band program and do see valid points from all your opinions. In the end, it is up to my daughter. It is her choice to take the F or to drop the class. I will post what response I get from the principal but in the end, it is my daughter's choice and I can almost promise she will drop. An F is not an option for her, her report cards are important as are good grades for colleges to look at.

It would seem to me that she also has a 3rd option. They only 2 you listed were taking an F (which to me isn't an option) or dropping the class. Why can't she stay home from the vacation, if she chooses, and attend the games? Does she have relatives that live near by she could stay with? Just seems to me that is another option.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I was only in band for my freshman year of high school way back in the 80s. Our band was just band - you automatically did marching band and concert band no special other band types. Oh playing oboe did not get you out of marching band in the least but rather put you in color guard. I played clarinet and oboe so I choose clarinet for marching band over color guard and played oboe for concert band.

At my dd's school playing the oboe did not get you out of band either. They put you with a needed instrument or percussion.

 

[Christine]

Wow! Hearing everyone talk about all these commitments makes me nervous. My two oldest are in band- on the middle school level. (They only have about 3 concerts per year, all practice is at school, and no marching band) It looks like we have a lot to think about and make sure they are truly committed before continuing this into high school......

Marching band is a HUGE commitment. I've never had a child in it but known many who have and I think it's worth the sacrifice. But there are definitely sacrifices.

 

[jen0610]

I am soooo glad that around here, Marching Band is like sports, it's an extracurricular activity - NO GRADE. Now, during the school day - freshman band, mid-band, and concert band - those are your graded classes and you have to be in one of them to march, you know that you will have X number of concerts through out the school year and attendance is manditory or get an F for the performance.

But, even though Marching band isn't a graded class, it is an activity that requires a highly dedicated commitment by both the student and the family. Plain and simple - from the 1st of Aug until the end of Oct - your only plans are to breath, eat and live band. Thank god for the DVR - we love college football. Guess who for the next 4 years will be taping and watching those games late Saturadays and Sunday mornings.

While it is HIGHLY frowned upon to miss any practices or games, the only penelty the kids can incure is not being allowed to march the following year. If they are habitiual tardies or no-shows, the directors will not allow the kids to join the following year. They do allow absences for reasons, they even have an Absence request form. It states right by the reason of absence line, Think - should you really be missing rehearsal for this. Makes the kids think about their decision long and hard before making them. Vacations during the the marching season, is not acceptable. They are learning their drill and every kid has to be there for it to work.

Now they do give the kids breaks in the summer. 1st session of band is for 2 weeks and is 2 weeks after school gets out. Then 3 weeks off before 2nd session starts. 2nd session started Aug 2nd and this is when the serious time commitment starts. We have a commitment to the band Monday - Friday every week until Oct 30th when State Finals are. Every Sat is commited to band starting Sept 11th. Aug 27th is the 1st of 5 Friday nights commited to band, as they are home football game nights.