YES!  Performances are required and represent a major portion of a student's grade.  Performances are the culmination of many weeks and/or months of work, and any individual absence will hurt the entire groups performance.  The band does not have a "bench", and can't sub in other students if one is absent.  We strive to give performances are enjoyable for both students and audience members.  Performance absences should be RARE and only due to emergency or serious illness.