Students involved in performing ensembles are making a primary commitment for the entire school year.  We recognize the importance of extra-curricular events such as sports, dance, scouts, drama, etc. in students’ lives but students’ curricular commitments must be primary. This is a group performance-centered class and, as such, all members are crucial to the overall success of the ensemble.  Learning to perform music is a commitment of time, money, and emotion and students must develop a sense of responsibility and perseverance. 
Howard County Public Schools only recognizes the following as excused absences:
1 - Serious Illness
2 - Death in the family
3 - Court appearance 
The directors require a written note from a parent on the day following an absence in order to be considered excused.  Because concert attendance is mandatory, please check the following calendar carefully and record all concert dates immediately on your home calendar.  All concerts will be held at Ellicott Mills Middle School at 7:30 PM unless otherwise indicated.