<p>I'm a freshman in high school wanting about to register for classes for my sophomore year. I am rather serious about playing my instrument and am first chair in the middle band at my school. I am wondering whether it is worth it to continue to playing in school because I also participate in some of the more elite youth orchestras in my area, but I cannot get into district or all state band without remaining in band as a class. It is not a weighted class and I heard that some colleges discredit nonacademic classes when looking at your college app. I would like to be taking some AP science classes with the period that I am in band, and it would really help if anyone had any advice on remaining in the program or dropping it, thanks! I do love playing in the band but it's really a blowoff class everyday...</p>
<p>Almost all of the kids that are in the top 10% of my junior class are in band. They are dedicated and say it helps them focus. Most of the have a courseload of 3-6 AP classes. And they are all extremely smart.
Personally I would if I were you. If you’re in it all of highschool it shows commitment. .</p>
<p>No college is going to hold taking band against you. Having four years of band (or orchestra or choir) is generally seen as a positive thing on your application.</p>
<p>When they say they don’t want you taking non-academic classes, they mean garbage like pottery, jewelry, and study hall.</p>
<p>The impact on your GPA will be negligible.</p>
<p>You’ve basically answered your own question though by saying that you want to take band. The only reason against it seems to be that you’re worried about how colleges will look at it. If anything, it will help you, especially if you end up winning music-related awards or if it helps you get music-related ECs, regardless of whether you’re planning on going into music.</p>
<p>Colleges like to see students with a passion. They also like to see students with leadership positions. Band allows you to exhibit both a passion, and provides an opportunity to serve in leadership positions. </p>
<p>At our school about 75% of the top kids are in some sort of music ensemble (band, orchestra, chorus). Being in band will also allow you to continue to win awards like being in all county/state band and orchestra. Those are all awards that you can put on your college resume.</p>
<p>Plus-life would be boring if all you ever did was take academic classes.</p>