A musical ensemble is a unique team requiring dedicated attendance from each of its members. Any single absence has a negative impact on the quality of preparation and performance, and multiple absences can be detrimental to the morale and success of the group. It is the responsibility of ensemble members and their families to be familiar with their rehearsal & performance schedule, and to report absences in advance. Please plan ahead! An unexpected illness or conflict may arise later in the concert cycle, preventing you from attending a rehearsal or performance, so be diligent not to miss for an imprudent reason early on.

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In order for an absence to be marked excused, a valid reason (see below) must be reported, notification must be submitted within a reasonable time frame, and a parent/guardian must confirm. Documentation validating the reason for the absence is always appreciated! An absence will be marked unexcused if the reason is invalid (see below) or unreported, notification is not submitted within a reasonable time frame, or if a parent/guardian does not confirm.

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To report an absence, email attendance@fwyo.org, call 817-923-3121 x12 (leave voicemail if unanswered), or notify Mr. Warren in person.

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• Attendance is required at all rehearsals. However, we do understand that occasional absences may need to occur. Each member may be permitted up to two (2) excused absences per concert cycle (concert + all preceding rehearsals) OR one (1) unexcused absence per semester (Aug-Dec; Jan-May).

• Excused absences & required notification window to be considered excused –

  • Notification within 24 hours – illness/injury, family/personal emergencies, inclement weather

  • Notification within 12 days – religious observances, school-sponsored activities/requirements (rehearsals, performances, trips, exams), college auditions/visits 

• Unexcused absences – vacation travel, homework/study time, working on college applications, social events (prom, banquets, dances), lacking instrument (forgotten, inaccessible, disrepair, etc), work shifts.

• Reasons for absences not listed above will be evaluated by the ensemble conductor and administration on a case-by-case basis.

• A member will be considered tardy if they are not in their seat when the rehearsal begins (at the beginning or after a designated break), or if the member leaves the stage prematurely. Three (3) instances of tardiness equal one (1) unexcused absence.

• A member will be considered ineligible to participate in an upcoming concert if more than two (2) excused absences occur during a concert cycle (concert + all preceding rehearsals) OR if more than one (1) unexcused absence occurs during a semester (Aug-Dec; Jan-May). The ensemble conductor and administration will evaluate the member’s eligibility on a case-by-case basis, and participation in the upcoming concert will be at the discretion of the conductor.

• Attendance is required at all performances. If a member is absent from two (2) performances, whether for excused or unexcused reasons, it is grounds for dismissal from the remainder of the FWYO concert season, at the discretion of the conductor, without tuition refund.

• Ensemble members are required to remain present for the entirety of all performances that feature multiple FWYO ensembles. Members will remain together as a group before and after their performances, and will be seated together in the audience when possible. Members will not be permitted to leave the concert venue after their performance without advance notice and prior approval. This policy is enforced to ensure the safety of all members, to show respect for fellow musicians, and to display the professionalism of our orchestras at performance venues.