Regular attendance is required for all members of the "Spirit of the West" Marching Band. Because of the nature of our activity it is exceedingly difficult for our band to perform unless every member is present. For this reason, our attendance policy is in place to ensure the continued success for every student in the SotW.

  1. Rehearsals. We expect all members to attend all rehearsals. While a limited number of absences from rehearsals may be excused (with sufficient make-up), excessive absences may result in the loss of grade points, scholarship dollars, and performance privileges.
    • All band members are required to check-in at the beginning of rehearsal for attendance. This usually involves having their music booked scanned in. Late arrivals/students without music books will be recorded by the records manager on duty.
    • Band members should notify their section leader of an absence BEFORE missing rehearsal. An explanation of the absence is always appreciate, but not required.
    • There are no "free" absences. All absences will require a makeup--to be determined and officiated by the Drum Majors. The Drum Majors will note actives that occur during rehearsals and devise a makeup plan for anyone who is absent. Makeups are required for all absences--including missing band for university-related events.
    • In cases of serious illness/injury or family emergencies, the directors may excuse any number of rehearsals at their discretion. However, students are required to consult with the Office of Student Success before requesting special accommodation, services, or extended time away from the band. Documentation is required.
    • Band members must attend 2 of the 3 rehearsals prior to a field performance in order to perform. Exceptions may be allowed upon the discretion of the directors. Field performances missed in this manner are subject to the details of the "Field Performances" section below.
    • Late arrivals/early departures are recorded by section leaders and are reported in terms of severity. Multiple instances of late arrivals/early departures may be counted as an absence and result in the loss of grade points.
    • Absences will be calculated at the end of the semester and will reduce a band member's final grade and scholarship according to the  schedule found in the grading section:
  2. Sectionals. All band members are expected to attend marching band sectionals for a minimum of 30 minutes per week.
    • Section leaders/representatives will schedule/hold sectionals at a variety of times every week to accommodate the schedules of the members of their section.
    • Sectional time may be used to hold part checks as required, but should primarily be used to rehearse and memorize music and maneuvers that are particularly challenging to the section.
    • Section leaders are responsible for tracking progress and attendance during sectionals over the term. Failure to regularly attend sectionals will result in the loss of a letter grade.
    • Missed sectionals and/or failed part checks may be made-up by attending extra rehearsals led by the drum majors, but only if the band member can demonstrate sufficient musical/marching progress.
    • Section leaders are also encouraged to schedule fun/section-bonding activities in addition to sectionals. However, because these are extracurricular, they cannot be required for a grade.
  3. Course Conflicts. A limited number of returning members may be allowed up to one hour per week of absence due to a conflict with a course required for his/her degree. Requests for course conflicts are due on the last day of class of the prior spring semester. First year band members are not allowed any course conflicts.
  4. “Pep” Performances. We expect all members to participate in several “pep” performances every year.
    • Band members may be released due to conflicts with other course/campus-related events, but not work. Requests for release must be made to section leaders prior to the performance. In instances when a band member is specifically slated to perform, he/she is responsible for locating a suitable substitute before requesting to be released.
    • Failure to appear for a pep performance will result in the loss of 10% of the member's final grade. Multiple such instances will result in the loss of scholarship as deemed appropriate by the directors.
  5. “Field” Performances. All members of the band are required to participate in all field performances.
    • We use the Field Performance Absence form to officiate absences from field performances. While this information helps us manage individual attendance, it also helps us gain a better understanding of what sorts of activities/maladies conflict with our performances.
    • There are no "excused" absences from field performances. The penalty for your absences is a 30% reduction to your scholarship and a grade reduction of one letter grades. However, if you complete the form, this penalty is reduced to a 10% reduction and no loss of grade points (for your first absence). If you do not complete the form, the maximum penalty is applied. 
    • Reasons for missing a field experience are varied. The SotW directors make no distinction for the cause of absence when applying penalties. It is up to the individual student to determine if the reason for the absence is worth the potential loss of points/scholarship. 
    • Certain campus agencies, along with student testimony, may lobby for the elimination of penalties. Examples may include severe personal distress (must be accompanied by a note from the Dean of Students or the Office of Civil Rights) or significant academic achievements (must be accompanied by a note from a sponsoring professor/department and/or conference proceedings).
    • In the case of illness, students are encouraged to arrive in appropriate uniform at call time. The directors may consult with the student and release them from activities depending on the severity of symptoms. In such cases, there is no penalty for that absence. If symptoms prevent arriving in-person, the student should complete the Field Performance Absence Form and accept any potential penalties for their absence. 
    • It is exceedingly rare for a band member to be absent from two or more field performances per season. Unless previously negotiated, all penalties double for a second absence (even with completion of the Field Performance Absence Form). A third absence will result in outright dismissal from the band, and loss of grade/scholarship.
    • Students may only make-up an absence from a field performance by participating in an addition performance. This is generally in the form of a non-scheduled playoff football game. While we cannot guarantee that such opportunities will exist ever year, it has become common for MSU to host late-season playoffs.
  1. Travel. The band may perform field shows at one or more events per season in addition to home football games. Provided that sufficient notice is provided (generally three weeks), travel is required of all band members. Transportation, meals, and lodging (if applicable) is provided to the band.
  2. Special Circumstances. Occasionally, band members may be released from rehearsals or performances due to special opportunities and/or circumstances. If you anticipate being absent for longer than one week of rehearsals—or for any performances—you MUST contact the director no later than 21 days prior to the absence to request a hiatus from the band. You should expect to be removed from band activities (including drill) for time during and surrounding your absence. Also expect your scholarship to be reduced proportionately for the extent of your hiatus.