Policies

EAGLE PRIDE

The Eldorado Band Program prides itself on always presenting ourselves in the most professional way possible. This includes everyone associated with the band, not just our students. We all are responsible for leaving areas in as good or better condition than we found them, monitoring our language when with the band or representing the band, not participating in PDA (Public Displays of affection), and ALWAYS being respectful of other bands and band programs. Our motto is, “If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all.” This applies not only to verbal comments but also to text messages, social media postings, etc. 

When representing the band, students and those associated with the band should all assume that there is no such thing as a private conversation or action.  “No such thing as a private conversation or action” means that everything one says and does, whether you believe others can hear or see you or neither, WILL be seen or heard by someone else.

Eldorado Band's Guiding Principles:

3. Do your BEST: If you do your best ALWAYS you will improve and band will be fun!

GRADING PERCENTAGES AND EXPLANATION

20% - TESTS AND QUIZZES – 20% of the quarter grade will be based on tests and quizzes.  These tests may include memorization exams, playing/performing, written/electronically submitted, or choreography exams.  Tests may be required during class or submitted via the EHS Band Google Classroom.  Playing tests consist of a section of music that we are preparing for performance or over a scale or technical study.  It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed tests (IN A TIMELY FASHION) if they happen to be absent during the administration of a playing test.

40% - WARM-UP/TECHNIQUE and PARTICIPATION (Weekly) – 40% of the quarter grade will be based on daily grades including being on time to events, class work, sectionals, preparedness for class, having necessary supplies, and being an active participant in rehearsal.

20% - PERFORMANCES – 20% of the quarter grade will be based on concert attendance and concert participation. (being on time, being helpful with set-up / tear-down, being a good audience member, etc.…)

20% - PRACTICE EVALUATIONS – 20% of the quarterly grade is determined by individual students actively demonstrating progress and growth in class material.  For example, if a student fails to meet performance standards on a required performance element, they need to demonstrate that they are improving on those requirements by taking personal homework time to practice the skill for improvement. 

MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS

The Make-up assignment for an EXCUSED absence from a concert is for the student to personally plan and electronically record all the music from the concert on their own and submit the recording files to Mr Sayre via APS google drive.  All recordings must be done with a metronome.  This is due the Monday following the missed performance.  The calendar of events for the entire school year is on the Calendar.  Using it can help you to plan ahead and avoid conflicts.

Make-up work is not available for UNEXCUSED absences.

EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS

Note:  The amount of credit gained for each activity will vary depending on the amount of time and effort that it requires.  See Mr. Sayre for more specific information.

PERFORMANCES (BOTH ON/OFF CAMPUS)

Band members should behave in a manner that reflects positively upon the school.  In uniform band members are easily identified.  An individual’s actions, whether good or bad, speak for the entire band.  (CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES SHOULD BE TURNED OFF) If we see or hear one of these devices it will be confiscated and turned into the school’s office the following day!

When we have an on-campus concert the format will be as follows:

DISCIPLINE

Discipline in any successful band program must, of necessity, be strict.  We are proud of the fact that our band is complimented on the behavior of our students and asked by restaurants and hotels to return “at any time”.  Parents and students alike must continue to exhibit good sportsmanship and considerate behavior at all times, as they are a direct reflection of Eldorado High School and the Band.

Band students are subject to APS policy regarding the behavior of students who participate in extracurricular activities. Be aware that guilt by association is the rule in use of prohibited substances.  If a student finds that alcohol is available at a party, for example, the only choice is to leave immediately.  Just being present is grounds for disciplinary punishment under APS rules. 

ATTITUDE

Positive attitude starts by students wanting to be in the band program. The greatest single factor that determines the success of our band program is having a positive attitude.  This is a powerful tool in dealing with others.  A positive attitude is critical to the successful transformation of a group of musicians into a band.  Make the most of every rehearsal and performance.  When difficulties arise, work to solve any problems you encounter; merely complaining won’t change anything. Share positive suggestions with people in a position to act or consider those options.  We each have the power to make the band better; that should be our primary goal.

PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION

The band recognizes that genuine feelings of affection may exist between students; however, students should refrain from inappropriate intimate behaviors on campus or at school related events and trips.   Students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner.  Kissing, excessive hugging, hanging on each other, sitting on laps, etc. (as determined by chaperones and or directors) are not acceptable behaviors.  Holding hands is considered an appropriate public display of affection. Repeated or especially inappropriate behavior in this regard may result in disciplinary consequences such as students being separated, parental contact, or possibly being sent home at parental expense.

APPROPRIATE DRESS

All band students will wear their band T-shirts for all sanctioned band activities and when participating in organized fundraisers to ensure the public’s understanding that this is legitimate non-profit fundraising.  Unacceptable behavior when representing the band in your band shirt, as determined by the Directors' standards, may result in the student being barred from participating in certain future fundraising events.  Uniform standards of dress and care are explained on the other pages of this site.

MEDICATIONS

The Eldorado High School band program strictly follows the APS published medication policy.  Please refer to the Eldorado High School handbook for further details.

ABSENCES

Absences must be communicated by the student’s legal guardian 2 weeks prior to any band engagement via a Google form that is posted on the newsletters, website, and here. The Directors will determine whether or not the absence will be considered excused.

Any unexcused absence will impact the student’s chances to letter in band for the year and will affect the student’s grade. If the student does not notify the director two weeks prior to the engagement, they will lose the opportunity to complete any makeup assignments given and may receive a failing grade for the engagement.

EMERGENCY ILLNESS AND ABSENCE

The Directors will consider emergencies and special circumstances. If you are sick and cannot attend a performance, you MUST notify Mr. Sayre by filling out the Excused Absence Request Form BEFORE the performance and emailing jordan.sayre@aps.edu so it can promptly be brought to the director’s attention. Students who miss a performance are responsible for requesting make-up assignments from the Directors.

CONCERT/PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE 

In most cases, the final product of a band class unit or grading period is the performance. It is critical to the entire band that every member attends every performance. Read the EHS Band Calendar for this school year carefully and keep these dates clear! Unexcused absences are treated very seriously and will likely result in a grade deduction and disqualification from lettering as determined by the Directors.  

Each student is a valuable member of their band and will be expected to attend and participate in every public appearance of that ensemble. 

Band is a performing arts course which curriculum requires performances OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY. Concert attendance and participation are REQUIRED! An UNEXCUSED absence from a performance can or will result in your overall grade for the current grading period being lowered by two full letter grades. Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory; only Mr. Sayre can excuse absences. 

Additional rehearsals may be necessary and called by the Director. Section Leaders may call extra rehearsals as long as they are approved by the Director.

For graduation, all wind, brass, and percussion students (who are not graduating) will be required to perform. 

CONFLICTS WITH OTHER EHS ACTIVITIES OR SPORTS

Students who participate in sports, drama, or any school clubs should communicate via their guardians through this Google form with Mr. Sayre if there is any conflict with rehearsals or performances. If these issues are communicated to Mr. Sayre at least two weeks in advance, arrangements can be made for that student to report late and show up to the concert just before their band is playing and/or depart as soon as they are finished playing. We will support your students to do as much as they want during this important time of exploration in their lives.

EXAMPLES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES  

EXAMPLES OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCES 

Verbally “telling” the director or your student leader that you are missing DOES NOT EXCUSE YOU. Excusal will be granted by the director after you fill out the Google form. 

SUPPLIES: REEDS, VALVE OIL, STICKS, MALLETS

Instrument supplies are important parts of maintaining and playing your equipment and should be stored in the student's instrument case and/or locked band locker.  All accessories can be purchased at any local music store such as Baum’s, Music Go Round or via on-line music retailers.

WOODWIND PLAYERS:

Woodwind players should have appropriate cleaning and instrument maintenance supplies. Clarinet and Saxophone players are expected to have 4 working reeds with them in a reed case in their case at all times.  Oboes and Bassoons are expected to have 2 working reeds with them in their case always.  We suggest the use of synthetic reeds for marching bands. Guidance for brand, strength, etc. can be provided by the directors, staff members, or section leaders.  

BRASS PLAYERS:

Brass players should have appropriate lubricants and cleaning supplies.  Some repertoire requires certain mutes and students should acquire these as needed. 

PERCUSSIONISTS:

Being a responsible and organized musician is especially important in order to be a successful percussionist at EHS.  Percussionists will typically play more instruments and notes than any other member of the band and they often are the ONLY musician playing that specific instrument or part in the ensemble. Their musical role in performances can either make or break the success of the performance.  Percussionists will and must set up instruments in an organized manner and put instruments away in an appropriate manner to ensure the longevity of the equipment and the ability of the next performer to find and use the equipment.  Equipment will be put away in the assigned storage location and in the same or better condition.  Not only does a responsible percussionist have to come early to set up for the band but they must also stay after rehearsal to put things away correctly. If equipment is shared between bands, appropriate accommodations will be made by the directors to ensure that use is equitable.  In almost all cases, equipment, instruments, and sticks/mallets will stay with the band that is using them until it is put away in its assigned area after use for a performance.  Equipment, instruments, and stick/mallets WILL NOT BE TAKEN FROM ANOTHER BAND THAT IS ACTIVELY USING IT unless the directors have instructed you to do so.  

Percussionists are required to own a stick bag labeled with their name, and a set of concert drum sticks along with a basic yarn and rubber mallet set.  Specialty mallets will be available for use and provided by the EHS band program as needed.  

LETTERING REQUIREMENTS

In our band program, we believe that earning a letter is a testament to exceptional dedication and commitment. It's not simply about showing up; it's about consistently striving for excellence, going above and beyond what is expected, and demonstrating a true passion for music and growth. Lettering signifies a level of achievement that sets individuals apart, recognizing their outstanding contributions to our collective success.

While individual effort is important, we also recognize that our band's success is built upon the collective contributions of each member. Every performer plays a vital role in our ensemble, and it's the combined dedication, teamwork, and synergy of our entire band that truly propels us to greatness. Lettering reflects not only personal achievement but also acknowledges the invaluable role each member plays in our shared journey towards musical excellence.  

Minimum Lettering Requirements: In order to first be considered for a band and color guard LETTER or BAR (Bar is for 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year lettering), a student must have completed all of the following minimum requirements for the current school year:

REQUIRED PERFORMANCES: If you have a legitimate documented and approved excusal for the following events (must submit evidence of screenshots or otherwise)

Students ONLY in Jazz or Guard need only check the required events for those classes.

Percussionists MUST have participated in their corresponding camps.

“Above and Beyond”: In order to recognize students for “ABOVE AND BEYOND” participation the following events will count or are examples of what count toward lettering as additional “Above and Beyond”  opportunities.  Understand that as the school year and calendar evolves that more opportunities may arise.  Use the following criteria as an approximate reference for additional lettering points.  

Examples of additional lettering points beyond the minimum participation requirements: Students that wish to letter should strive for a minimum of 65 to 100 “Above and Beyond” lettering points by doing some of the following activities. Approximate point value is included.

Other events that may qualify for Lettering Points that may not be listed above:

Students will list any other events that they can rationalize to be applicable on their lettering form when the form becomes available (additional basketball games, helping at the middle school concerts, helping with the Winter Guard Invitational etc...) Directors will consider them and let students know if they will receive points for these. Students will propose how many points you believe each additional event should be valued at.

Students can qualify for the following Lettering Honors: