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Music & Athletics Guidelines

The Meriden Public Schools believes that every student should have the opportunity to perform in school ensembles and participate in school athletes. We actively encourage students to do both as Performing Athletes, by taking part in school music programs and competitive sports. 


The CIAC Athletic Conference and NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) also support this position and have been working to expand this message across the state. Read the latest articles here:

Both Performing Arts and Athletics Programs within the Meriden Public Schools have active programs, and conflicts do arise between games and performances. We make every effort to have students participate fully in all activities, and schedules are coordinated to limit conflicts. 

When conflicts occurs, it is the student's responsibility realize the conflict in their activity schedules and communicate the conflict to the coach and director. If there is not a simple solution, the director and coach may need to communicate and decide where the greater need is and which event the student should attend. In some circumstances, the student may need to make a decision on what event to attend.

Common scenarios:

  • Student has a game and a rehearsal: The student should attend the game
  • The student has a performance and a practice: The student should attend the performance
  • The student has a game and a performance: The coach and director should connect and determine where the student should go.

Notes:

  • Football players are excused from playing in the stands at games, but are required to perform halftime with the band
  • Students should not miss performances for games if they are not active participants. Example: If a JV player is sitting for a Varsity game but is not playing, this is not a valid reason to miss a performance.
  • Excused absences from music/theater events that comply with these guidelines will not affect student grades
  • Excused absences from athletic events that comply with these guidelines will not affect students participation in games

MPS goes through great lengths to schedule athletic and music/theater events in a manner that limits conflicts. Students are expected to participate in all games, practices, rehearsals and performances, even if events/practices are scheduled in close proximity to each other. Example: If a practice ends at 5:30 and a rehearsal begins at 6:00, the student is expected to attend both activities.  

MPS co-curricular and extra curricular activities are view equally within the school system and schedules will be resolved as fairly and equally as possible. 

In rare cases, the Assistant AD, Director of Athletics and the Fine Arts Coordinator can assist in resolving conflicts. 

Parents can always reach out to coaches or directors regarding schedules and potential conflicts. 

Students, coaches and directors realize that by working together, we allow more students to participate in activities and we make our groups and teams stronger. But, there will occasionally be schedules that need to be reviewed and student may miss occasional practices, rehearsals, games or performances when conflicts arise. 

GET INVOLVED - PLAY MUSIC - PLAY SPORTS - BE A PERFORMING ATHLETE.