Is quitting an activity you like but don’t LOVE after sophomore year a bad idea?
Specifically, I want to drop band class so that I can try out some other classes at my school and see if I’m interested. My school still has ensembles I can participate in, but I will not be winning awards or anything. They’re just something fun to keep us playing music.
But just overall, how important do you all think it is to “show commitment” to something? What if you don’t plan on majoring in it? If given several activities that you’re OK with, would it be best to choose whatever you can win at/show leadership in? I’m curious.
Still playing in ensembles sounds like continued “commitment” to me.
Your band class would show in the transcript and seems you want to replace that with something more academic. In contrast, playing with groups would show under Activities. Many, many hs don’t have a band or orchestra class, just the rehearsal and performance aspects.
Some of this, of course, depends on what level of colleges you may be applying to.
Thanks for your replies. I want to take a computer science class to see if I would be interested in pursuing it later. My main concern is that I’ll miss out on some workshops and ensemble opportunities as far as music is concerned because they’re only available to enrolled band students. But there are still other groups I can play with, so I think it is OK.
I don’t think it would benefit you to keep playing in band if you don’t like it. Try out the computer science class and stick to that if you end up enjoying that. Colleges prefer to see active commitment (like leadership).
It is perfectly fine to drop band class, especially particularly if you still play in an ensemble. HS is supposed to be a time where you try different things.
My kids dropped quite a few things in sophomore year. Don’t think sticking with any of them would have improved their admissions results. They did pick up other activities.