<p>So this is what's up: I have researched it a lot and understand that Yale loves artsy kids. I'm somewhat artsy, I tried drama club and play saxophone (and clarinet, and a bit of guitar), but here's where the problem is. I love music, always have. I'm good at it, not amazing, but I enjoy it. I've played saxophone for 7 years and have been in band throughout HS, including marching band (section leader of all saxophones), pep band, and Jazz I where I played lead tenor. I've taught lessons, been a state contender at Solo Ensemble and played in the pit orchestra too. However, I quit band this coming year (I'm a rising senior) for both time commitments and a personality conflict with my band director (effectively, he told me I wasn't pulling my weight, and to some degree this was true, but not for lack of trying. He ended up brow beating me to the point where I hated coming to class and other kids took notice). HOWEVER, I've not quit saxophone and don't plan on quitting any time soon. I actually hope to continue in college, maybe in a jazz group or small ensemble. Here are my questions:</p>
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<li>How bad is it gonna look for college to show that I quit band Senior year?</li>
<li>How do I make sure that it is clear that I've not quit saxophone playing, despite quitting band?</li>
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<p>Thank you very much for your time.</p>
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<li><p>I don’t think it’ll have any effect on your application. Music dominated my application and I only did band freshman and senior years.</p></li>
<li><p>Well, on the application you can indicate that you still practice saxophone in terms of hours/week and weeks/year. You can also join ensembles that are outside of school (i.e. youth symphonies/bands, jazz groups, etc.) You can participate in summer music camps/festivals or compete in competitions on your own time, things like that.</p></li>
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<p>Thank you very much. Your help is greatly appreciated. And I see that you’re entering Yale this coming September. Best of luck and congratulations on getting in.</p>
<p>This is very helpful because I have the same issue. I’ve been playing the violin forever but I couldn’t take it senior year due to a scheduling issue with some classes that I felt were necessary due to my intended major (math & economics). I don’t want to stop playing, I just can’t take the class. So I’m joining a select group that practices after school. I just hope my teacher doesn’t hate me. Quitting the class was a very difficult decision for me to make. Although, I switched over to a varsity choir, so at least I still get to be involved with music during school.</p>
<p>I got into Yale and I quit my first flute position in both marching band and concert band after my Sophomore year. </p>
<p>It’ll be fine. People quit band for whatever reason throughout high school.</p>
<p>This thread has made me feel so much better about my decision to get out of band. You can still be just as passionate about your music without having room for the class.</p>
<p>I also quit band after my sophomore year. (Also a sax player! Alto mainly, but I dabbled in tenor and bari.) I’m really hoping this won’t get me in admissions or make me look uncommitted. One of the main problems is, I’m from a very small town, and my prior director is involved in ALL of the small and large ensembles around here, usually in a directing capacity. He doesn’t like me much at all (because of the “way in which I went about leaving the organization.” [I was one of his best players, and I walked into his office one day and basically said, “Sorry, but I’m gone.” with no prior warning, -teehee-]) making it impossible to get involved again in ANY musical organization around here. I don’t want the admissions committee to think I just completely quit, but there’s no way to get involved besides private lessons, which I don’t have the money for.
So, will the fact that I basically just quit entirely be an issue…?</p>
<p>^ How about you teach music, either by being paid or through volunteering? I know a person that volunteered at a local elementary school and was very highly commended by the community.</p>