Drop Orchestra for Research?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hey guys,

I had my meeting with my counselor to select my classes for junior year today, and this is what I signed up for:

AP Lang
APUSH
AP Chem
AP Calc BC
Honors Physics
Honors Orchestra 3 Masterclass

However, my school’s orchestra is honestly really boring, and I like playing better music in more advanced extracurricular orchestras. Furthermore, I find myself not having enough time to practice the music assigned in class, either. The only reason why I am still in it is because in order to audition for the All-Region Orchestra where I live, one has to be enrolled in his or her school’s orchestra–no exceptions. If this were not the case, I would have quit orchestra at school long ago to take more AP classes.

As a result, I have been considering dropping orchestra for Honors Research for next year. The class allows one to carry out research at my local state university, and sounds really interesting. It would also look good on college apps as well, since it is, after all, legitimate research experience. Additionally, I can end up taking a second year to build upon my junior year research senior year, as well.

Would you recommend I drop an EC for research? I am looking at Clemson Honors (in-state), Duke, Georgia Tech, UIUC, and Waterloo for college, and will probably major in ECE or Engineering Physics. How much do these schools value research experience over a fine arts commitment?

My current ECs are FIRST Robotics, SciOly, NAQT, and magnet newspaper, among others, though they are not as prominent as orchestra. I am planning on doing NHS and tennis next year, as well.

Thanks!

2

Do you guys have any recommendations? I’m still bouncing back and forth between doing so. Advice about dropping a fine art for something like this would be great!

3

Are you currently in an outside orchestra? My sons program requires you to also be in your school orchestra as well. Are you planning to be a performance major in college? If not I’d follow what interests you more and do the research class. While all state is an honor, it is one day and one concert whereas an outside orchestra shows regular dedication and commitment.