Band Teacher Rec (Do not want to go into music)

<p>Right now, I'm choosing to either ask my band director (who I've had for four years) or my Honors Pre-Calc with Trig teacher (10th grade) for a recommendation but I don't know which will better help my chances of getting in to my top school.</p>

<p>I have no desire to pursue a musical career, but I know my recommendation would be golden if I ask my band director for one. (Wind Ensemble 1st Chair Clarinetist/ concertmaster, Vice President of Band 2010-2011, Marching Band Clarinet Section leader, VT Honor Band Principal Clarinetist (Only a handful of kids from our school were picked by our director to even audition)). Pretty much, she's known me for four years and she can write a lot about my skills as a leader.</p>

<p>Will colleges look down upon this type of recommendation because it isn't from a teacher from one of my core academic classes? What are you thoughts on this? </p>

<p>I'm also close to my Pre-Calc Honors teacher. She knows I got a 5 on both the BC and AP Calc exams (I'm not asking my BC teacher for a rec since she's an idiot, if anyone wondered), and perfect scores on my SAT I Math and SAT II Math level 2. I'm an officer for Math Honors Society (Mu Alpha Theta), a club she sponsors. And I tutored precalc for her students all of last year.</p>

<p>I need two recommendations, and I know for sure one of them will be my English teacher. I'm trying to pick the second, but I'm having a hard time deciding.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>By the way, I'm trying to get into a top 10 school.</p>

<p>My personal suggestion would be to include the one from your band director. In subjects like math, the numbers speak for themselves. Top 10 schools will also be looking for more insight about you as a person, not just a student. Kind words from your director will - again, in my opinion - carry more weight than your sophomore year teacher saying you’re smart, because your scores already convey that.</p>

<p>Thank you so much.</p>

<p>You’re welcome. Be sure to ask your friends and family. Best of luck with your applications. :)</p>