I need help with a decission!!!!?

Question

Band camp starts soon (high school) and im a senior. Im an all-state caliber player (Tuba, trombone, and baritone) and i really hate being in our (high school) marching band because we suck so bad, we get last place in every festivle and we are pretty much the laughing stock of the county. I really like playing, but only with skilled musicians,.....well heres what im getting at, should i just skip marching band this year and try out for college band next year (next spring)?

Answer 1

If your group is that bad, then they need you that much more. If you participate in marching band, you get credit for participating and you get to put that on your college application. You are also much more likely to get a glowing recommendation from your teacher (which counts for a lot) and taking a year off is not going to increase the likelihood that you are going to be seasoned and ready to step out on the field when you finally try out for that position in the College Marching band.

Colleges look for people who participate in extracurricular activities. The fact that you do something to support your school, your organization, and your community, means that you will be more likely to support the college as well.

You can also raise the level of your present band by participating. That can be documented and will show tht you have leadership potential. If I were trying out for a position in a college or university, I would want it known that I have held positions of leadership, not that I took some time off because the group wasn't up to my standards. Something to think about anyway. Best of luck in your decision.

Answer 2

If you really hate it, then don't do it. You can still be active musically by taking lessons and participating in community ensembles, or other ensembles at your school. You can also audition for your state's all-district/county/all state conferences. However, I would check with the director about the eligibility requirements. You can also use the time to learn other aspects of music, such as music theory, ear training, all of which will only be to your beneft if you decide to be a music major (or minor) in college. You may also look into other local competitions for high school musicians, or maybe even national competitions if you're a member of a Nat'l brass organization.

As for college marching band, my experience has been that you only had to register for the class. BUT, this may vary, depending on the college you attend. When researching colleges, contact their music department about this. Most of the college marching bands have rehearsals before school starts. The university marching band here is open to any musician in the university (not just music majors) and at last count, they march at approximately 300.

So by all means, skipping one semester of marching band is not going to kill you if you really don't want to do it. I marched 6th grade through high school (flute/piccolo...and still playing)and really enjoyed it. We weren't the best band by any means, but we had some serious musicians and I enjoyed the thrill of performing. In college, I had the exact opposite reaction...I HATED it. I liked the thrill of performing, but the shows were dumb, I didn't feel like I really belonged with the group (I wasn't a party person), didn't like the director nor my section leader at all, didn't like how the rehearsals were conducted, etc. So, I did my only required semester for my music education degree and didn't sign up since then. I haven't regretted it.

So, just do what you think is right for you. Most colleges are understanding if you decide to not participate in a particular class for one semester, especially if you can provide good back-up for your decision.

Answer 3

Is there another (probably non-marching band) in your area that you might be able to perform--or at least jam--with? When your college app shows that you quit the marching band your senior year, which sounds better to an admissions officer: "I quit because I was too good for those losers" or "I felt I'd learned all I could in the school's marching band, so I started playing with a local jazz band to learn some new styles & improve my chops"? Check out what's available in your location: if the answer is truly "nothing but the high-school band", then I agree w/ those who say stick with it & learn to be a leader.

Answer 4

Hmm. You COULD try to be a captain, and help raise the levels of the players in your school marching band. But if you're going to skip out, then make sure to practice enough as if you were in the band. That way, you can say to the judges, "oh yeah, even though I didn't play in a band last year, I practiced like hell and am probably better than most in my highschool marching band. I left them because they weren't doing so well. I'm independent, and, as you hear me play, you'll see how dedicated I am to music."

However, don't you think this sounds better? "oh yeah, I was in my high school's marching band last year. Although we kinda sucked, I stuck to it and tried to raise their levels, and now, because of me, our band has risen from the deep depths of loserville to the higher rankings. Please, if you put me on band (just hear my play- you'll be amazed), I swear I'll try my best to make a memorable team- even if the football team gets no wins this year, at least _____ college will be recalled for the remarkable skills of its band."

:-)

Anyhow, if you're a skilled musician, then I'm sure you'll be accepted into college band.

Answer 5

I would say stick with it. You are a senior, who says you have to take it so seriously? The band is a direct reflection of the director, not its players. Keep practicing your scales, know them foreward and backward. I played in the pit for the southerners (JSU) for 3 years. Once you get to the college level, high school is just something to laugh about. I am guessing you do not own a tuba to practice on, so use your senior year to hone your skills for college tryouts. Most importantly, have fun. You only get one senior year (well, some get more than one haha )

Answer 6

im not in marching band, but im in an orchestra, and i know what u mean with ur group not playing well. my group plays fine, but the other doesnt. ... if ur band is counting on u to join, then either tell them that ur not doing it or ur going to. if i were u, u should, but if u say u like being with skilled musicians, then i assume ur pretty good. but work to being number 1, and suggest more practice time with the group and make them and suggest that practice time at home should be a grade. they get better and they will learn there limits and problems to work on.

Answer 7

It may suck playing with unskilled musicians. However, there may be something of value in this years curriculum that you would otherwise miss should you decide to forgo the class.
You may be reluctant to act but it's only one more school year.
You will have that much more on your resume for when you tryout for collage band.