<p>Just a word on AP Music Theory - I do not agree that it’s a waste of time (really?). If the student has not had access to any other theory courses, and AP is what’s available, he should take it. Both my daughters were stunned at what some students in their theory classes at their respective colleges didn’t know (theory and aural skills-wise) and observed their ensuing struggles in class. Granted my Ds came from a high school that is known for their theory dept. (it’s actually a 4-year program - Theory, AP Theory, IB I and II). And while it’s true that most music schools do not not accept AP credit in place of their own theory classes, one of my daughters, because of her AP exam score, received 2 credits to be applied towards the music elective requirements for her degree (Music Education/Performance), and she tested out of Intro. to Theory and got placed in Honors Theory and Honors Sight-Singing. My other daughter didn’t get bupkis for hers, but she did breeze through four semesters of college theory. So if your son already has a good theory/aural skills foundation, then perhaps the AP isn’t necessary and he can focus all his energies on his upcoming auditions. But if he hasn’t and it’s the only game in town, he should take it.</p>
<p>Hi Cellomom, I was in Marching Band all 4 HS years and although my dd hasn’t been, she’s considering it for next year (jr year) because her director has told her if she majors in education, it would be an asset to have. A lot of teachers get started p/t working with the marching band in my neck of the woods (upstate NY). DD’s not sure if she’s going to major in performance or education. At my daughter’s school marching band requires 2 weeks in the summer of full days rehearsals, and two 2, 2-3 hour night rehearsals during the week. On Saturdays it’s all day early practice or game and then competitions. This runs from the first week of Sept to about Nov. 1st. A cello in marching band would probably be used for a unique solo piece the director has come up with. He may be placed next to the mallet players up front and perhaps moved to the center of the field during a particular piece. This doesn’t mean he’s stuck in the mud on the football field, he would probably get a platform set up during the show. Here we work on one show per year. Parents are not required to but some do help out enormously. Your practice schedule may be different, we’re pretty competitive and usually end up top 2 or 3 in the state. If he is not learning the entire field band show, there may be times he doesn’t have to be there as long as he’s memorized his music and practices enough with the band to learn all of the cues and the show in general. Marching Band kids seem to be some of the nicest and accepting IMO. I don’t think he’d have any trouble fitting in, and if you have extra time most parents are welcoming and appreciate the extra help. So it all comes down to his availability and if he wants to do it with everything else. It can be really enjoyable. I don’t know about your weather situation but for outdoor shows I’d want an older, used, beginner cello that maybe the school could provide because you may have to deal with the elements. If my DD does marching band, she’s playing clarinet-- no way her oboe is participating! </p>