<p>hey guys! so I'm new on here, and I just wanna ask one question:
will four years of marching/concert/pep band and orchestra look good on my applications and whatnot?
I've really been looking into UCLA, and so far that's my college of choice.
I'm a rising junior and I play saxophone in my school's band, and in the orchestra when the french horn player cannot handle. I was 3rd chair my freshman year, 1st chair/section leader and assistant to the vice president my sophomore year, 1st chair/section leader and vice president this upcoming year, and for my senior year, the directors are already pushing for me to be president.
I also tried out for drum major my freshman year, but dropped out because my dad didn't want me to do "a man's job" and literally pulled me out of the DM practice one day. Mind you, my friend told me that one day during a jazz band rehearsal, the directors said no matter what, I was going to be the drum major. They were saddened when I dropped out, and told me I was the only one out of ALL the students that they could see lead the band my sophomore year.
Now, will all this really look good on my college applications, especially to a school like UCLA? Because I really want to quit. My band is full of BS and crap and it stresses me out so much! There have been times where I run out crying because of everything the people push onto me. Not only that, but I don't like playing anymore, and my band has gone to crap. We used to get sweepstakes (above 1st place) every parade my freshman year, and now we barely get 2nd. I really want to focus on my grades this upcoming year, too. I've always gotten above 4.0 gpas and been in the top 10 of my class since 7th grade , and my sophomore year I got a 4.3 and was number four in my class. Now that it's my junior year, should I continue with this or focus on schoolwork? Will all the things I've stated about band look good to colleges, especially one like UCLA?
Thank you :')</p>
<p>Depth and persistence in ECs, such as music, is sometimes what distinguishes applicants. It’s unfortunate that you’re loosing interest, and that you have unmet expectations regarding the band. Perhaps you need to distance yourself from the drama of how the band is perceived and focus on your role in the band, and your growth as a musician.</p>
<p>If you can refocus and view your continued involvement in the band in a positive way, I recommend that you stick with the band and help it achieve a higher stature. You can then emphasis your long term involvement in the band and your progress as a musician on your applications. Think also about possibly getting a supplementary reference from the band director.</p>
<p>Band looks good but it’s hard for most kids at our high school to keep high GPA. Yours look good. I see no problem for you at UCLA.</p>