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<p>First of all, living somewhere as a college student and an adult is completely different from living there as a high school student. I was determined to get out of Atlanta, my hometown, in college but I didn’t quite escape. I ended up loving Atlanta as a college student and now that I’m finally out for grad school, I can’t wait to get back. So don’t rule it out, especially since your state choices are likely to be the most affordable.</p>
<p>Second of all, if you join the drum corps as a college student the corps’s schedule will be adjusted to fit the schedule of the university you go to.</p>
<p>Thirdly, I grew up in the South. Depending on where you go, you won’t necessarily be surrounded by religious people, and even when you are, it’s not that bad. I’m an atheist.</p>
<p>Strong band programs: Ohio State (one of the best band programs ever AND their football team is great), Texas A&M (strong marching band and also may be appealing to you if you are interested in the military), University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Jackson State University, and Florida A&M (historically black but has a strong marching band - but their band was recently suspended for hazing). Two other HBCUs with strong marching bands are Tennessee State and Southern University. A lot of HBCUs have strong marching band traditions. Also check out UGA, Ole Miss, Auburn, UAlabama, But if you aren’t rich, you may not be able to afford the out of state admission.</p>