At my high school, I would like to take band again but, my dad is against it. He says it’s too much work and I’ll struggle in my classes. However, I am very passionate about music and I am very good at it too. Not only this this but, my school has gone through major grade inflation and half the classes don’t count towards gpa or class rank. Should I stick with band or find something else to do.
@UnderwaterOwl, do you know why your dad is saying this? Have you struggled with grades in the past, or had difficulty finding enough time to study, sleep, be with family? How long have you been in band? Are you referring specifically to marching band (which can be extremely time consuming, but worth it for many students.) Is it possible to forego marching band but continue with concert and jazz bands at your school?
Band is an extremely fulfilling elective and EC for many students, and it sounds as if you really like it. There are so many benefits…creating music uniquely stimulates different areas of the brain, and doing so in a group is a wonderful social activity. Colleges are looking for students who have a passion for something outside of academics. However, no EC makes up for low academic grades and test scores, so I’m wondering if that’s a problem for you, or if your dad is just anxious. A balance is important. I agree that it would be very sad for you to give it up. Can you give us more information about your situation and why your dad may feel as he does?
I never struggle in classes but, being the first child, he doesn’t have much insight on how high school works. Based on what family friends have told him it seems like too much. I also have a cousin who took band in high school who’s doing really well but, I’m not sure how to convince him otherwise.
Have those family friends thought there was something negative about the band experience, or just that it was time-consuming? Every stuent is an individual, and what is too much for one may not be for another. Also, people just enjoy different things. …maybe those parents’ children just were not that into band, so it seemed excessive to them?
Could you enlist the help of a guidance counselor to explain to your dad how ECs are viewed by college admissions? Or an enthusiastic band parent, or an adult with college-aged children (or would that embarrass him too much?) You could also try searching the terms here on CC “importance of extracurriculars in college admissions” and/or Google it on the web to see what threads and articles you find, and show or print out for your dad?
Are you in middle school now or have you already done a year or two of high school band? If you have already participated in band and your grades haven’t been adversely affected, I’m not sure what the problem is (unless he is afraid you will be too tired or won’t have enough family time at home.)
I have only one child, so I know how it is to be a little anxious and protective (that’s why I started getting on CC, to learn!) Maybe your dad would like to register here and ask some questions himself. Personally, I would rather have my daughter be involved in a great EC activity that she loves, even if it means a minor drop in grades from time to time (so far that hasn’t been a problem.)
Ok. That seems like really good advice. Thanks so much!
You’re welcome! Good luck! :)>-
Lots of good advice here. I had 2 kids do high school band all 4 four years. One has a band leadership position which looks good on College applications.
You may want to let your Dad know that many colleges offer additional scholarships if students continue to play at the college level. One of my kids was offered a $1,500 scholarship to a local CC to play in a Jaz band at the school. The same kid was offered a band scholarship at a state university. These kinds of scholarships are in addition to any merit awards you might get.
The internet has lots of articles and studies on the benefits of music and improved test scores and grades of music students. You may want to show him some of those studies.
Sounds good! Thanks!
My friend’s son auditioned on his instrument at a private school which has a large following on CC. It is not an Ivy. He was told that because they are trying to grow their program, he might be eligible for money up to a free ride. He has a 3.8 and an 1160 SAT/ 25 ACT and no EC’s other than music and scouts.
A lot of schools offer money for musicians. I wish my sons had kept up with their instruments.