August 18, 2009

 Dear Intermediate Band Students and Parents,

            This year we will incorporate an optional reward system that will allow students to earn a chenille “Band Letter” if they garner enough points.  An added bonus to earning the letter is automatic acceptance into Advanced Band next year—students will not have to audition for Advanced Band as they normally would; they are already accepted if they earn a Band Letter.

            To earn a Band Letter, students must accumulate a total of 97 points (101 points are possible)*.  These points are awarded as follows:

            Weekly Practice Sheets (1 point per week—34 weeks)                     34 points

            Concert Attendance (5 points per concert—4 concerts)                    20 points

            Ballgame performances (4 points per game—7 games)                      28 points

            All-State/All-District audition (Jan. 30, 2010)                                      2 points

            All-County Honor Band audition (mid-February [during school])         2 points

            Solo & Ensemble participation (Apr. 10, 2010)                                   2 points

            Scale performances (grade of 95+; 1 point per scale—13 scales)       13 points

                                                                             Total possible points:   101 points

            There are a total of 11 ballgames (4 football and 7 basketball)—students may choose any seven of the 11 games.  Concert attendance is mandatory toward earning a Band Letter; however, sickness and death in the family are acceptable excuses for missing a concert—these must be verified by a note from a parent.  Our new schedule is on the reverse side (please note:  a couple changes have occurred since last week—especially in Dec. and Feb.).  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at ddowdy@madison.k12.al.us.

*Points will be adjusted if ballgames, concerts, etc. are cancelled