By definition, a performing arts class in the high school requires that students participate in activities (rehearsals and/or performances) outside the school day. These activities are not entities unto themselves but rather are an integral part of a performance curriculum. Teachers may require students to attend a reasonable number of out-of-class activities commensurate with the performance needs of the ensemble. Students would not have the option to be in a performance class and elect not to participate in all or some of the out-of-school activities associated with the class. Teachers may grade students on their attendance and work during these activities. These grades would be averaged with the academic grade to obtain a final grade. If a teacher requires attendance at rehearsals/performances outside the school day, the student must be furnished in writing the requirements for the course. If students are unable to attend an occasional rehearsal or concert, they will be given the opportunity to make up this grade by completing an alternative assignment to the satisfaction of the teacher provided this is an “excused” absence.

The make-up assignment for missing a performance is a report on a composer(s) of the student’s choice and a cassette tape or CD of the student singing their voice part on the concert music being performed. The tape may not be recorded in the chorus room. It must be recorded at home. The tape will be returned to the student along with the graded report. See guidelines for the report below. Work is not considered an excused absence. If an event on the choral calendar changes, students will be given ample notice to check their calendars for conflicts. It is important to note that this optional make-up assignment is not a punishment but a make-up for a grade missed. An after-school rehearsal/ performance is equivalent to any other out-of-school project like a term paper or science project. Since a student cannot make up a choral concert by himself or herself, this is a chance for them to make up the grade missed. This is simply a chance for the student to make-up the grade missed. Unfortunately, there are times when students have un-avoidable conflicts and have no other choice but to miss a rehearsal or concert. Examples of “excused” absences might be sickness with a Doctor note, school-related activities, funerals, religious activities etc… This assignment is offered for such occasions. A student’s grade will not suffer provided they complete the assignment as prescribed below. (NOTE: If a student misses a dress rehearsal for a major show like Peach Jam, they will not be allowed to perform). Remember: ONLY excused absences are allowed to complete a make-up assignment. If you miss all of Peach Jam, a 10 page report is required.