Orchetsra Continuation

HI! I just wanted to ask is it a good idea to continue Orchestra all 4 years of school? I’ve heard that it shows commitment but I’m afraid that I won’t get to take other AP’s because the space it will be taking up.

My D was only in orchestra 2 years because it conflicted with AP classes in her jr year (last year). She preferred taking the APs. Are you involved in other extra-curricular? Could you speak to orchestra instructor to see if they have any ideas to keep you involved with orchestra if you really want to be in it and do you want to be in it or just feel like you should? My D kept involved by occasionally performing at church but has not been playing as much.

What has been the experience of students in grades ahead of you at your school? I think it would depend on the scheduling. My D played all 4 years and still managed to take 3 APs, an IB, and a DE class as a senior in addition to 4 other APs and 6 other DEs in other years. She wanted to continue to play so she could be considered for Tri-M music honor society and she was able to be in pit orchestra for spring musical theater productions so it helped with other EC activities. She also got a couple of orchestra related awards and scholarships from the school. Your school may, or may not, have similar benefits but my D was able to see the types of students that stayed with the music program, what their schedules looked like, their senior scholarship awards, and the colleges they attended and made a choice that worked out great for her.

Will your school even offer orchestra this coming year? I ask because many of the music and other performing arts areas aren’t conducive to good hygiene practices, social distancing and such, so some HSs (and colleges) may not be able to offer these classes/extracurriculars.

I don’t think there is a wrong answer.

If you enjoy it, are reasonably good at it, and it is a positive experience for you, then keep it up. Colleges value more than just the number of APs on a transcript.

If you have doubts or think the AP class might be more interesting to you, take it instead.

Admissions wise, it will probably be a wash.