ARTICLE VII. ATTENDANCE Section 1. Active and Associate Members shall be encouraged to attend all rehearsals in an effort to promote the attitude which has fostered and perpetuated the Association. Section 2. Active and Associate Members shall be allowed to miss rehearsals and performances for two consecutive years without being required to submit a hardship excuse. The following constitute a hardship: military service, student, personal or family illness and geographic distance limitations. Section 3. When an Active or Associate Member fails to attain the necessary attendance, the Music Committee shall meet, contact the individual and discuss the absence. The Music Committee shall recommend a course of action, either retention or dismissal, to the Active Membership for formal action.