Updated 8-11-09 Due to increased graduation requirements and the general difficulty of class scheduling for older students, we have a new schedule for next year. The vast majority of Juniors and Seniors to be required either taking only 1 semester of band or 7 1/2 credits in the fall. After talking to some of my colleagues, current students, some parents, and Sr. Jean, we will use the following schedule. Band will no longer be during the school day during the fall semester. Students will be able to take 8 classes in the fall, including band, and 7 classes in the spring. This allows for 7 1/2 credits. All students are expected to be enrolled in band for the full year and will earn a grade for both semesters. Band will be held as an 8th hour class. During marching season we will meet from 3:15-5:15 4 days a week and 5:30-8:30 one day a week (generally Thursdays. We will have 7 am rehearsals in the fall for sectionals or individual help. Students would have to makeup tests, ask teachers, for help, take drivers tests, go to the doctor, take lessons, etc. either before school or on the one afternoon per week that we do not rehearse. Except for really good excuses, students would have to attend all rehearsals. Potential conflicts are after school work (you cannot work until 5:30, but there is one extra night per week free now) and fall sports (if you are interested in a sport I need to know immediately). We would rehearse on the parking lot after school and on the lower field at night and when football is gone. Color guard is expected to be at all of the rehearsals. Once marching season is over we will scale back the practice time, converting some to jazz band and eliminating some. Overall this schedule gives us 11 hours a week of rehearsal time during marching season, versus 12 last year. We should be more productive, however, as we will not be rehearsing early when everyone is still mentally asleep. Sample schedule: Monday 3:15-5:15 Tuesday 3:15-5:15 Wednesday 3:15-5:15 Thursday 5:30-7:30 Friday 3:15-5:15 If you have questions, please let me know; however, the schedule is not debatable. As the year progresses, we will adjust as necessary.