<p>I really would like to do marching band at Vandy, but I'm just wondering how much extra work/time/energy it's going to be. Here in Texas, marching band and football are such a big deal, and it's taken up so much of my life that I'm wondering if I should make the effort at Vandy. I want to double major in the HOD program and film studies so I'm wondering if I'm crazy for even trying to do marching band. </p>
<p>If you happen to know how much time it takes, energy, conflict with schoolwork etc. that I can expect, please let me know. </p>
<p>From my friends I know in the marching band, it is a decent time commitment, but not a tremendous one. I wouldn't think you're crazy for double majoring in those concentrations and being in band.</p>
<p>Hi:
We are also from Texas and my son did marching band at Vandy this year as a freshman engineering major. I am hoping he will post his thoughts here or that at least you can email him for comments, but my observation is that marching band at Vandy is totally different than high school was (as in TX where it is extremely competitive and band occupies your entire social schedule). The band director is really cool, and if you haven't talked or emailed him, please do--Dr. Sagen. He will put your mind at ease and is a really great guy. Do a search on the Vandy website for band information and I am sure you can locate how to contact him. He makes band much more relaxed and low-key compared to my son's high school experience--if you have to miss practice for a lab, etc. then that is okay. School comes first. Practice is 3 times per week for a couple of hours and they do a different half-time routine every week, which right there tells you it can't be very difficult or intense compared to the high school routines. You also get paid a small scholarship stipend for participating.My son seems to think basketball pep band is easier and more fun than marching band, but you have to be in the fall marching band to participate in that. Good luck.</p>