I’m currently a sophomore in high school and I’ve been trying to figure out my schedule for junior year. I really want to take an engineering course, but that would have to require me to quit the school orchestra. I’ve already decided that’s what I am going to do. But my question is this: should I quit music altogether, or do something outside of school, like an ensemble group? I’m not excellent, but I have been doing music for most of my life and I would consider myself pretty decent. I do enjoy it a lot, I’ve just never been very passionate or competitive about it and I don’t know if it’s worth it or not. Should I at least do some form of music throughout high school? Would it be harmful for me when applying to colleges?
I only want to keep doing it if it’s really worth it and going to help me in the college application process. If it’s going to just end up being a waste of time and money, then I’ll quit altogether.
If it matters at all, I’m in various school clubs and the math and debate teams besides orchestra.
If you enjoy music like how you say, then you should join an after-school group; this is a good EC. Good choice doing Engineering because you should always put forth what you would like to learn and do as a future career.
I agree with @kimclan1. I can’t tell you to quit something because I personally don’t know you and your complete situation and background with music. I had the same problem figuring out my 9th grade classes and decided to take some courses online. This allowed me to keep my 2 music electives, engineering class, and fulfilled my graduation requirements. If you want to continue playing, try to join a youth orchestra. Some of them are meant to only be supplements to your school’s orchestra program and might bar you from joining though. Is there any way for you to find a STEM program outside of school so that you don’t have to quit orchestra? Or make one yourself by starting an engineering club? You could always find a mentor that wouldn’t mind having you work on outside projects during the school year. I asked my bio teacher once and now he lets me do cool lab experiments that we wouldn’t normally have time for. If you don’t mind me asking, what other electives are you taking next year?
My senior daughter had an impossible time trying to fit band (marching and symphonic) into her schedule this year. Her only available free period was 1st period. No band classes at that time. So she spoke with the band director and was able to arrange to have her band period 1st. Band director gives her the music to work on independently and he meet with her once a week to see she how she is doing. The whole band has some after school extra rehearsals on a fairly regular basis so she is able to play with the whole band fairly often. She plays oboe and is 1st chair of 3 oboists. She has been able to maintain her solo opportunities it hasn’t been too much of hassle for either her or the band.
Maybe you could work out a suitable arrangement with your orchestra director?
I think that anything that shows a college that you are an individual with diverse interests and abilities will help you in the college addmission process! My opinion is don’t quit music! Especially if you like it! Junoir year is a stressful year and music can help you unwind during it! There are many outside of school orchestras that you can do!