BAND DIRECTOR'S UPDATE

​Last week was a whirlwind - Jazz Ensemble’s Fall Concert, the Season-in-Review, and an away football game.  All performances were great!  Your student’s should be very proud

of their work.  Marching Band seasons is winding down but we will continue to support the football team in their quest.  Just a few reminders this week as well as Friday night’s schedule.
This week’s update includes:

• OHSAA Division VI Playoffs Update - Reminder
• Attendance Policy - Reminder
• 11/1   Away vs Bishop Ready @ Fortress Field (Obetz)
• Upcoming Events

OHSAA Division VI Football Playoffs - REMINDER
As of last week, the varsity football team was ranked #4 in our region of OHSAA Division VI football.  This ranking did not include the Bobcat loss against Columbus Academy last Friday.  The top eight teams from each region will qualify for OHSAA state playoffs.  OHSAA has released their playoff schedules (not pairings) for local entities to begin any possible planning.  Therefore, I felt it important to advise you, as a group, that Division VI playoffs will be FRIDAY games beginning on November 8th.  All Friday playoff kick-offs are scheduled for 7:00PM.
This email serves as notice that any/all performances by the GHMB during the OHSAA Playoffs will be required performances.  Any excused absence requests must be submitted two weeks in advance. This Thursday, October 31, would be the deadline for requesting an excused absence for Friday, November 8th should the team qualify and the band perform. 

Attendance Policy - REMINDER
Please note the following excerpt from the forthcoming 2019-2020 Bobcat Bands Handbook.
“All band members make a commitment when they join band.  These commitments extend to attending all rehearsals and performances.  The dates of such are published and made known well in advance.  Additionally, directors ensure reminders of rehearsals and performances are part of the daily rehearsal schedule.  It is expected that all members will be in attendance at all scheduled events.
Should a student be unable to make a particular rehearsal or performance, then a parent/guardian must complete the "Absence Request Form" a minimum of two weeks in advance of the requested absence.  Unlike past years where an email would suffice, there will be an online form for Excused absence requests - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciR-gNeOxFUPPtRHfeX53ukT2sHhpW2i9lIWE7fDwiKalnkA/viewform
In the event of a medical or family emergency, the parent/guardian should contact Mr. Herrmann at a time most convenient to the family’s needs by phone or email.  Medical and/or family emergencies are automatically Excused.  This includes students who are marked ‘Excused’ absent from school on the day of a performance.
Unexcused absences can result in lowered grades and loss of permission to travel.  An unexcused performance can never be made up.  Actions or lack thereof speak louder than words.  As stated previous, band is co-curricular.  As such, work is not an excuse.  Communicate clearly with your employer and well in advance.  Missing school for work is unexcused; therefore; missing band for work is ALSO UNEXCUSED.
Alternate Performance Assessments (APA) will be assigned to all performance-based absences.  The APA will include performing, individually or in small groups, music from the missed performance. 
Marching Band Absence Maximum: Each student is limited to two Excused absences during the marching band season (August 14 through November 1).  Requests for exceptions will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”


11/1 Away at Bishop Ready @ Fortress Field - 7:00PM Kickoff
Uniform: Traditional/Formal 
Call/Dress: 5:15
Load Out: 5:30
Depart: 5:45
Return: 11:00


Upcoming Events
11/1        No School - All Day Conferences
               Away at Bishop Ready (at Fortress Field, Obetz)
11/4        No School
11/5        Election Day - No School
11/8        OHSAA Football Playoffs (if team qualifies)
11/13      EILMS Bands Fall Concerts
               5/6 Bands - 6:00PM
               7/8 Bands - 7:00PM
11/15      OHSAA Football Playoffs (if team qualifies AND wins on 11/8)

Lastly, please don’t hesitate to reply to any updates or contact me via email, Twitter or by phone. 
Go Bobcats!!! 
Mr. Herrmann 

--
Christopher Herrmann Director of Bands
Grandview Heights High School
1587 West Third Avenue | Columbus, Ohio 43212
O: (614) 485-4012
@GrandviewHtsBand
www.ghcsd.org
www.grandviewhtsband.org