Marching Band Performance Policy
EVERY SPOT IS EARNED DAILY
With a competitive marching band membership in the program is guaranteed, but a performance spot is earned and maintained. The strongest programs (Texas UIL finalists, BOA finalists, Drum Corps, etc.) all operate from that philosophy. A marching position is not permanent.
Every performance position is evaluated continuously based on:
Attendance
Preparation
Performance Quality
Attitude
Reliability
Students who consistently excel in these five areas will earn and maintain a performance position.
Attendance Consequence
1 Unexcused Absence
Immediate evaluation of performance position.
May lose spot.
2 Unexcused Absences
Likely removal from performance position.
Must earn position back.
3 Unexcused Absences
May remain an alternate for the remainder of the competitive season.
Tardies
Three tardies = one unexcused absence.
(Unless excused by a director.)
Excused Absences
Excused absences may include:
Illness
Family emergency
School-sponsored event
Religious observance
An email from a parent/guardian is REQUIRED for excused absences!!!
Excused absences do not guarantee retention of a performance position.
Academic Eligibility
According to UIL NO PASS/NO PLAY policy, Marching band students must be academically eligible to perform at Football Games, Marching Contests, and Marching Competitions. Students who lose academic eligibility will IMMEDIETLY lose their performance spot in the competition show. These students are still required to attend all rehearsals. AP classes are exempt from the eligibility guidelines. Most Dual Credit and On Ramps classes are exempt from the eligibility guidelines. View a full list of FBISD exempt courses here.
Friday, September 18th - Evaluate all students
Friday, September 25th - Students lose/gain eligibility
Thursday, October 8th - Evaluate all students
Friday, October 9th - UIL Region Contest(ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE DUE TO FALL BREAK)
Monday, October 26th - Students lose/gain eligibility
Shadows
Any student not assigned a performance spot will be designated as a SHADOW. Shadows are a part of the band and perform at all performances, football games, pep rallies other than the competition show. Shadows are expected to be at every rehearsal and performance. During the competition show shadows will help move props, uniforms, or contribute in other ways. During rehearsal shadows will temporarily take the spot of any absent performers. Shadows may earn a spot at any time based on the criteria above and the discretion of the directors.
