GBMS Band Public Performance Expectations

The following are the expectations for each member’s participation in concerts and other public performances given by the GBMS band program. The following policies are based on general self-respect, mutual respect between your peers and directors, and your personal responsibility and commitment to the band.

· Participation in approved concert performances is a part of the requirements of the Great Bridge Middle School Band and the Chesapeake Public Schools Department of Music. The National Standards for Music Education and the Virginia Standards of Learning identify performance as a critical component of our curriculum. When you join the band, you are making a commitment to this ensemble. At the very least, that commitment includes participating in our public performances. Our concert dates are published on the very first day of school. Don’t say at a later time that you have something else to do. (Unforeseen emergencies excepted.) Not following through on your commitment causes problems for the whole group. I cannot stress strongly enough to follow through on all your commitments in life. Don’t make a commitment if you don’t think you will be able to honor it. The key word here is “honor”. Your honor and integrity.

· An absence from a Great Bridge Middle School Band performance results in the student’s nine-weeks grade being lowered two letter grades. An excused absence affords the student the opportunity to “make-up” the required performance. Since there is no practical way for a student to “make-up” a live performance, you should contact Mr. Oare upon your return to school for additional information. Excuses for an absence must be submitted by the parent in writing and approved by Mr. Oare and the school principal or designee prior to the performance. In the event of an emergency situation, a written note stating the reason for the unexpected absence must be submitted by the parent for approval by the principal and band director on the next school day. The determination of whether an absence is excused or unexcused will be guided by the regular Chesapeake Public Schools policy concerning school attendance.

· Dress appropriately. It is appropriate for a performer to dress in a professional manner. Sloppy looking clothing, or generally inappropriate attire (shorts, short skirts, jeans, athletic shoes, etc.), sends the message to the audience that you don’t care about the performance or the audience. If you look professional the audience will take note in a positive way without dwelling on it.

· Concert Dress: Our Stage Band and 8^th Grade Symphonic Band have a "uniform" which consists of a green "polo" style shirt with khaki slacks and appropriate footwear (shoes, not athletic wear). Ladies may wear khaki slacks or a khaki skirt of appropriate length. The shirts will have a "Great Bridge Band" logo embroidered on the left pocket area. Our 6^th Grade Band and 7^th Grade Band wear “dress clothes”. Boys wear a dress shirt and tie, slacks (not jeans) and shoes (tennis shoes and other athletic types of shoes are not appropriate). Girls wear a dress, an appropriate length skirt and blouse outfit, or an appropriately “dressy” pants outfit. Your concert dress does not have to be “black and white” . . . colors are fine.