<p>first and foremost, thanks for the help in advance. It’s great that you guys take the time to help people out and I dunno what I’d do without this site. Lol</p>
<p>Anyways, I love music. It’s a huge passion of mine. My main instrument is clarinet, and I’d like to say I’m pretty good. In junior high, I was in All State Band and All Southern Band. Last year, as a freshman, I was in All Southern Junior High Band (9th graders are the oldest that are allowed in it), and I was third chair. As a freshman, I was also in my high school band. However, I decided that high school band wasn’t for me. I didn’t enjoy the marching, the musical selection during concert season was BLEH! It was a huge time commitment, and I felt like I could be doing other things. So, I quit, and because of that, I can no longer audition for state bands and the like because my former band teacher now hates me and does not want to sign my forms :(. Now, I’m a sophomore. I still play clarinet. However, the only musical activity I have is a Wind Ensemble in a well known music college in LA (the wind ensemble is meant for high schoolers though, not college students). We only play once a week, and we will have 1 concert per semester. In the place of band, I’m taking art classes, and I’m going to keep taking art for the rest of high school. And I really love art. But I haven’t entered competitions or submitted my works to any shows. Also, with the extra free time I’m getting, I’m playing lots of tennis (another huge passion of mine).</p>
<li>Will quitting band hurt me a lot?</li>
<li>Is it worth mentioning that I was in a Junior High All Southern California Band as a freshman?</li>
<li>Is playing for a Wind Ensemble (just once a week) enough to show my passion?</li>
<li>Is taking art as a class enough to put art down as an extra curricular?</li>
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<p>Also, I’m learning how to play the piano. It’s more of a hobby, so it probably won’t help me much in the admissions process because I’m not amazing at it, right?</p>
<p>Sorry, yet another question. I love creative writing. How would I go about showing my interest in it? Publishing a novel seems just a little too hard (just a smidgen). </p>
<p>Unfortunately, a lot of kids quit band or chorus in high school because they are not challenged enough and find it a waste of time. It's a shame, and it's not your fault. Passion, though, is shown by how you expend your time. So long as you can account for your time, it should shine through. </p>
<p>Are you taking private lessons? You should be. Ask private teachers or college teachers what other ensemble or performing opportunities there might be for you to audition for. Talent is talent. A lot of ensembles don't care what age you are, they simply care whether or not you can play. If so, audition and if chosen, express yourself and play.</p>
<p>All these sorts of activities, including private lessons, can be listed as ECs because, well, they are. Do not feel that something is only an EC if it is sponsored by your school. An EC is whatever it is you do with your time, particularly if it can be quantified and verified. Taking an art class outside of school is most definitely an EC. Playing tennis is an EC, although it doesn't hurt to try out for the school team or again, take private or group lessons so that you can demonstrate that you are trying to improve and master an activity. </p>
<p>Follow your passions, look for opportunities to improve, grow, and express yourself, and use these experiences for your essays so that you can better explain yourself on college apps. Best of luck.</p>
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<li><p>Like 4th House said, it won't hurt you a bit as long as you express your passion outside of school. However, I wouldn't say small things like private lessons are EC's because everyone does it.
The one thing you must do now is to take the initiative to explore every music opportunity out there. Are you confident with people? Then start a musical ensemble yourself! Are you highly ambitious? Then enter a competition and work hard to win! Remember, not being in the "school system" will definitely not hurt you if you still show passion outside of school. </p></li>
<li><p>Of course it will! You know what would be even better? Mention in your essay (in two years, of course) that you grew out of this "school band" system and set yourself as a regionally-recognized leader/musician. Like I said, anything can be done as long as you have the initiative, and time is definitely on your side. And BTW, even if you don't win any hardcore competitions, you can still show your talent in the College Arts Supplement. Most competitive colleges accept the arts supplement, and frankly, the competitive colleges don't care if you won a ton of awards (unless it's something prestigious). They care if you impress them with unique/intriguing music performances and EC's. </p></li>
<li><p>Unfortunately, I'm going to say no. Keep in mind that a lot of people "try" to show their passion with marching band etc. You need to go beyond the regular "display" of EC's if you want to be recognized for your music passion. </p></li>
<li><p>Same as the previous question. But again, initiative and hard work can basically get you anywhere. </p></li>
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<p>BTW, do you often listen to clairnet youtube videos? I found that listening to professional players inspired me big time to take the initiative and show my passion.</p>
<p>As a senior I'm in the same position with regards to orchestra. I've always been in important positions in community events and orchestras, but not participating in school orchestra excludes me from a large majority of the competitions around here. I just included "couldn't compete other years due to school orchestra participation requirements" on my music resume after my entries for the one year I participated. Show it in a way that you enjoy giving back to the community and working with those who are truly interested, not those just looking for a free A by taking worthless high school music classes.</p>