Rehearsals During AP Exams

Several students and parents have asked me if they can miss the rehearsals these next two weeks due to the AP exams.  I said that everyone has to come, that we only rehearse 20% the amount of time that the other bands rehearse even with these spring rehearsals.  Missing them would hurt us from a competetive standpoint. We need to finish the music in the show and learn all the marching basics of the new visual program prior to camp.  I do understand that this is a high pressure time of the year, my daughter took all of the AP exams as well. However, realize that all sports, clubs, and activities are in full swing during these two weeks, and nobody would ask the coaches to be excused however, since our marching band is not into the season yet people think the rehearsals aren't as important.  But they are!  We are trying to move our band to win the class each year and since we start at camp behind all the other bands who rehearse all summer, we are trying to put ourselves in a position where we can be on a level playing field when band camp starts.  Here at Roslyn, summer rehearsals are out of the question.  Too many band members are away for large chunks of the Summer, either at academic camps or college SAT classes, etc.

A few weeks ago people simply stayed home and needed a break, I wrote a whole blog about that.  I excused band members for RCP, sports practices, games, studying, SAT prep classes, and many other things.  These rehearsals are only one per week.  They are very important.

So here we are, trying to get to the point where we are competitive.  If you are stressed out, totally unable to come to the entire rehearsal then come to the first or second hour these two weeks as a break from studying.  Realize that if your attendance has already been sporadic, you will want to be here for all the remaining rehearsals to achieve or maintain a leadership position.  These are the times that I really see who is putting in that extra effort.  Like a sport, we have to compete and achieve, and these rehearsals once a week are really not that much in terms of what competitive marching bands do.  We have already made huge concessions with the schedule as is, as well as excusing many of you already from a rehearsal.  Look at the other bands websites and you will see what I am talking about.  They rehearse much more than us. Much more.

As usual, if there is an extenuating circumstance, e-mail or call me.  If you can be there for the entire rehearsal, please do so.  Make it your break from the rigors of studying.