Hi, I’m a junior in hs (will be senior). Throughout hs, I’ve found a deep passion for both science and marching band. I’ve competed at ISEF (international science and engineering fair) and I’m currently a drum major for my hs marching band (I will be next summer too). I don’t think I can translate how passionate I am about these two things.
I plan on majoring in physics (I think I might have a decent shot at caltech, MIT, Harvey Mudd, etc). After that I want to get a PhD in physics (leaning theoretical) and then do post-doc etc. I also, however, really want to march DCI (drum corps international) during my undergrad years before I age-out. This would take up almost all of my summer and part of spring. Will I be able to accomplish both of these things? Will the rigor of physics classes in conjunction with the rigor of DCI create a conflict? Will I be at a disadvantage with less summer research going into grad school? In short I guess, can I do both DCI and major in a rigorous physics program?
My son recently graduated from the University of Michigan College of Engineering (COE). Over one-third (1/3) of the 400 Michigan Matching Band members were Engineering students. So yes, you can
@PeterW Marching Band on campus is a bit different from the level of DCI, and the summer and spring committment. I would recommend focusing on colleges that have strong marching band programs, as those are designed to mesh better with college schedules. Can DCI be done? Yes, I know a few people who do it, but their college majors are not as rigorous, and they are not planning on grad school right after undergrad.
Long time ago (late 80’s), but I was a CS major and marched DCI. I am still peripherally involved with the activity and can tell you that yes, there are plenty of kids that are STEM majors that march. I sponsored someone last year that was in a top 6 corps and is an EE major.