So I participated in marching band for three years in high school (sophomore, junior, and senior) and I loved it! I was a member in pit (front ensemble percussion) and then in drumline my senior year. I’m really conflicted about joining marching band my freshman year of college.
After emailing the percussion instructor at USF, it seems as if out-of-state students wishing to audition for drumline should find another member to stay with during drumline pre-camp. I’m not comfortable with this living situation. I don’t have any family in Florida and since i’m moving from Nevada to attend college, this move is already expensive (making living in a hotel for a couple weeks difficult). If I auditioned and didn’t make it into drumline, it would be a waste of my parents time/money…
Drumline is also a very competitive section. My high school had only 11 members in drumline this year and 75 members in total. Having only 1 year of experience in drumline and 4 years as a percussionist, i’m not sure if i’m cut out to be in a college drumline just yet. I took advanced classes all throughout high school and I dedicated most of my time to those classes, as opposed to practicing (especially my senior year). I know there are many incredible musicians who will be auditioning and i’m nervous about not doing well.
Another factor to consider is that I plan on transferring from USF. I’m not completely sure to what school, but I do plan on transferring once my freshman year is completed (this may change depending on if I really enjoy the school).
Besides auditioning for drumline, I was considering taking a year off of band. This way, I could practice more and possibly explore other interests. I could then join marching band my sophomore year/when i’ve transferred. I am scared about my abilities depleting though, since taking a year off would mean not being in an ensemble, not being in a marching band environment, not having instructors, etc,.
What do you guys think I should do? I love band so much. It’s really the only activity i’ve participated in throughout school and i’ve dedicated much of my time to it. I’m not sure if i’ll be happy just being in school and not in band. If I take a year off, i’m not sure if i’ll regret it badly later on. Drumming is my passion, it just seems as if being in drumline is difficult right now…