Band Pass-Offs Understanding Your Pass-Off Assignments and Expectations
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						What Are Pass-Offs Anyway?
				A completed pass-off happens when you play a pass-off line in your Standard of Excellence book well enough to complete 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 3 check boxes for each exercise.  These checkboxes can be found in a chart is on page 47 of your book.  The band teacher will check the boxes and place his initials in the square.  This tells you that you have completed the pass-off and may now practice on the next pass-off line to get ready for the next pass-off round during your next band class.  You can always know what your next pass-off line will be by checking the chart on page 47 of your book or looking for a picture of a medal after the title of a song line in your book.  Remember, your pass-offs must be completed in order - you may not skip one to go to the next.  Extra opportunities to play pass-off assignments will be available on certain mornings or  afternoons depending on the school you attend.  You must ask your teacher permission before you can come to the band room. Only your band director or a paid private lesson teacher can check the boxes and initial  a pass-off exercise.  The private teacher must be associated with a studio or music store.  Relatives that have a music education degree or play an instrument are not approved and may not check and initial pass-off lines. You may complete pass-offs at your own rate and some students will move faster than others. However, a minimum goal should be to complete an average of one pass-off assignment each week.  You are not limited to that goal and are welcome to complete these lines as fast as you want to. The way to success in the pass-off program is daily practice.  Plan to practice at least 15 minutes every day to work on your songs.  Always practice in a quiet place sitting in a hardback chair with your music on a music stand.  This will encourage good posture which is so important for producing a good sound. Awards are given for completion of each level of your Standard of Excellence books.  For a more detailed description of the award levels go to the Award Level Quick Check page on this sight. If you are having a tough time on a particular pass-off line, try no to be discouraged – keep plugging away at it.  There are many times a student will get stuck on a music line and take a long time to complete, only to pass off several more in a row afterwards. Ask your band teacher to help you. Keep working and you will have success.  Of course no one is perfect, however if you expect perfect effort from yourself then great results will happen.  If you work hard and are successful you will be very proud of yourself and so will your parents and band teacher as well. Remember – always make every effort!!!