<p>I'm need some advice from you guys. So I recently found out that I made the 2010 Honor Band of America (HBOA). I was pretty pumped until I found out that it's on the same weekend as my state's All-State band. I'm wondering whether I should go to HBOA or All State band. I know to many of you, this will come across as obvious, but I heard from a Harvard student that colleges like to see consistency (for example, going to All state 9-12). Would going to HBOA hurt me in any way? Can I still try out for All State and put it on my college app next year but not go to the actual event in lieu of HBOA? I don't want to come across as arrogant but I can safely say that I'm one of the best high school trumpeters in this country. I'm heavily lop-sided when it comes to my EC's. I've accomplished quite a few things with the good old trumpet while keeping in mind that academics is still #1. I'm working on my SAT's as well. My top choice next year is Princeton. </p>
<p>*EDIT: Do keep in mind that HBOA is one of the most prestigious high school bands in this nation.</p>
<p>Personally, I don’t think it matters a whit. What most colleges talk about as “consistency” is the same type of EC (trumpet, sport, drama, dance, chorus, whatever), not necessarily the same event. </p>
<p>If HBOC really is one of the top bands in the country, that’s where you should go. Presumably, you’d get even more excellent experience than you’d get with your other option. Also, what Chedva posted about consistency is right.</p>
<p>I just learned that my state will bar me from trying out for All-State band my senior year if I make it this year but do not attend the actual event. Sucks :(</p>
<p>Will your state bar you from auditioning during your senior year if you don’t audition this year? If not, I’d suggest you do the HBOA this year and worry about All State next year. You’ll still have a couple of All States on your application anyway.</p>
<p>Do what feels right, not what you think will look the best. I know Maryland has already notified All-State band qualifiers; do you already know that you made All-State? Often, those rules about performing if you make it don’t take into account that a student might actually achieve something higher than All-State band because most students never do. Good luck with your decision. All-State you have done, HBOC you haven’t. Next year, you can write about it in your essays!</p>
<p>I’d do HBOA. Music organizations just don’t like no shows. You take the place of a person who would have been able to go and they don’t often do alternates or waitlist people for one day or weekend events. No slows reflect poorly on your director and school. If you haven’t auditoned yet for State, they shouldn’t count it against you if you take a year off and do it next year.</p>
<p>The only thing would be cost to your family, travel, etc of national vs. state but I’m assuming you’ve already considered that. Practically anything you would do on a national level would trump state participation.</p>
<p>I also wouldn’t assume you would automatically get into HBOA next year if you have already applied, were accepted and now decline. You are already a know entitity in your state, not so much there.</p>
<p>Thanks for the high quality replies. I spoke with my counselor and band director today. They both urged me to do HBOA. Unfortunately, if I do try out for All-State and decide to go to HBOA, they will ban me from trying out my senior year. I really want to make All-State again though. All-State results come out late January every year, after apps for most schools are due. So if I have All-State Band 9-11 and HBOA 11, and hopefully 12, will that be a good path to take?</p>
<p>cornetking, I have to ask if you plan a being a music major, as it may have a bearing on what you decide. HBOA is a highly selective opportunity, and shows a talent above All-State level.</p>
<p>The comment is not meant to denigrate the talent of those that make all-state, but the bar is set a bit higher for HBOA. By your own admission you classify yourself as one of the “best hs trumpeters in the country”. If so you’ll be surrounded by peers of similar talents from a national base, and will be playing with some of the best young musicians in the country. The experience kicks it up a couple of knotches from the typical all-state performance level. If you are intent on being a music major, you’ll broaden your knowledge and talents by working with some exceptional peers and faculty, contacts that may well prove useful down the road.</p>
<p>On the flip side, the camaraderie and continuity of multi-year all-state appearances may be enough for you musically. Do what you think you will enjoy.</p>
<p>As you mention H & P, and are worried about consistency on apps, fuggagaboutit. The combo of 2 or years all-state, and a year of HBOA versus 3 years all-state will matter not. HBOA speaks a bit more loudly of your skill set level.</p>
<p>I have no intent on majoring in music. I understand that I’m a decent musician, but I want to use my musical talent as a tool to increase my chances of admission to Princeton. I read some posts in the link you showed me. Is the general consensus music is not the best EC?</p>
<p>It is a fine EC, but realize any EC is just one part of you as a candidate. Your background shows a level of dedication, commitment and perseverance to attain a high level of proficiency. But don’t confuse proficiency with mastery or artistry. </p>
<p>Extraordinary talent can be worth quite a few data points contingent upon the institution, it may be worth a pittance, but in and of itself (with a few rare exceptions, think emerging professional, major competition placements) is rarely an automatic “in”. </p>
<p>As I said, conservatory level and above talent abounds among Ivy applicants. It can be instrument specific, but you will be one of many with similar music backgrounds.</p>