In an effort to reduce the number of failing marching band members, the band directors are again implementing a no zero policy.

“We believe if students are in the band, they should show character,” Band Director Paul Heuer said. “A great way to show character is to do what is asked of you.”

Senior Shealyn Hardrick said the policy encourages band members to manage their work.

“It really helps people’s grades because we make sure (to) turn all our work in so stuff doesn’t go missing,” she said.

The policy, which began three years ago, was a change for the seniors in band because they started with the “no pass, no play” rule.

“It was easier freshman year to be able to march than sophomore year,” one senior, who didn’t want his name released, said.

Each week by Wednesday, any unresolved zeros will cause a student to lose the right to march that Friday as a warning. If they are failing at the end of the six weeks, band members are ineligible to march.

“The students tend to turn in their work and end up having less eligibility problems that could (hinder) the band program,” Heuer said.

The senior said that time is hard to manage because of the no zero policy.

“I don’t like it because with practice taking up most of our time it makes it difficult to do homework,” he said.

Since the start of the policy, band members have better reputations with their teachers and administrators, the senior said.

“We’re supposed to be the role models for the rest of the school,” he said.

The policy has cut the down on the number of ineligible students in the band program.

The senior said, “It is always feels better to have the whole band be able to march because we get to enjoy our accomplishments together.”