Ragazzi's attendance policy, why we need YOU

On Singing Saturday the parents took part in a mini-choir where we learned a song and then had some people drop out as we tried to sing it. We learned how much we rely on each other, and therefore how crucial regular attendance is to group success. Below, I have made some changes to how Ragazzi’s rehearsal attendance policies are phrased, hoping to make them clearer. You can find the originals in the Handbook under the heading: Weekly Rehearsals (section 5.4).

We recognize the need to be flexible and to that end we do allow boys to miss up to three (3) planned absences. These are absences for athletic events, family trips and other activities that conflict with rehearsals.

When boys are ill, of course they are excused, but we do want you to know that excessive absences for any reason can make it nearly impossible for your son to be ready to perform. This is not to be punitive but it’s because rehearsals are crucial to the group’s preparation.  Please help us set up for success at performances—regular attendance makes your boy a reliable and valuable colleague in the eyes of his fellow singers.

Unexcused absences are any that the director has not been told about in advance.

The last two weeks before major concerts are where we make last minute musical and logistical decisions and they are crucial. This is why we do not excuse absences during this time.

Attendance at major concerts is mandatory.

Keep in mind that rehearsal attendance is always part of the mix when directors consider a boy’s readiness for promotion.

Here is the Handbook rehearsal attendance policy as revised:

• Absences for sudden illness may only be excused by phoning the appropriate Music Director, at least one hour prior to rehearsal.
• No more than three (3) planned absences are permitted per semester and may not be scheduled within two (2) weeks prior to a concert or performance.  A boy who is absent from rehearsal within two (2) weeks of a concert or performance may be deemed ineligible to sing some or all pieces at that event.   Some examples of planned absences include family trips, school trips, school plays and musicals and sports events.
• Ragazzi will send a note home after a chorister has missed two (2) rehearsals, so that he and his parents may plan accordingly and avoid any problems.
• Conflicts must be cleared with Music Directors at the beginning of the season or as soon as the conflict is discovered.
• When a director is not notified in advance of a chorister’s planned absence, this will count as an unexcused absence. More than two unexcused absences may be grounds for suspension.
• Excessive absences for any reason will negatively impact a boy’s status in the chorus and eligibility to perform.  A boy who has missed more than 3 rehearsals, even if he “knows the music,” may be ineligible to perform in all or part of the next concert, based on director’s assessment of his focus, behavior and memorization of music and words.  Singing in a chorus is a team effort and is more than simply “knowing the music.”
• Regardless of the reason for an absence, it is the chorister’s responsibility to contact his Director (or Mentor in CGA & CG or section leader in YME) to find out what he missed.  Less important at the Primary level, it is more important for Premiere, and is vitally important for members of CGA, CG and YME.

While extra rehearsals are scheduled at the beginning of the year and appear in the calendar, additional rehearsals may be scheduled by the Music Director, as necessary.  Notice of extra rehearsals will appear in Ragazzi Times, our email newsletter. Singing Saturdays (once-per-semester, full chorus rehearsals and parent meetings) are required for all boys and parents.