<p>Alright, so I have been dying to take Jazz Band for three years now. I am a trumpet player with no Jazz experience, and I am hungry to learn now that I have room on my schedule. I am also fed up with symphonic band I can't stand to have to go back. For me, taking Jazz band is an opportunity I simply cannot miss for many other reasons. As a member of the marching band and Drum major, however, I am required to take a band class. Unfortunately, this class conflicts with AP Latin/Latin 4, there's only one block for both classes. I am also aware that, unless I take my fourth year of Latin, very few colleges will look at my application seriously. As a senior I can't take Jazz band next year, but I'm also fed up with Latin and I would be perfectly fine with giving it up if I could (Although I'd still be participating in club and certamen). </p>
<p>What should I do? I have a scheduling meeting with my guidance counselor tomorrow? Is there anyway that I can explain to colleges that my lack of a fourth language is not from a lack of effort and that I'm simply choosing something that I'm passionate about? Especially since I'll still be involved in plenty of Latin related activities this year.</p>
<p>A lot of cities have local symphonies/band/etc. Are there any jazz bands outside of school in your area? Plus, you could always start a small one. That way you can take Latin and put jazz band as an extracurricular</p>
<p>Talk to the Latin teacher and see if you could do it Independent Study at a time that fits in your schedule. It’s becoming a more popular option with AP students at my school, since most AP classes are offered once and they don’t offer AP’s last time slot of the day if at all possible (to accommodate athletes who leave early for away games often). So see if your teacher is willing to do that so you can have another year of Latin but still take Jazz Band. It’s not difficult for the teacher to give you the materials they used in other classes though you’ll miss out on partner activities and you’ll have to teach yourself a bit more. But if you really want Jazz Band it might be worth it!</p>
<p>Starting a Jazz ensemble isn’t workable for me. The independent study option might be though. The only problem is that it wouldn’t show up on my transcript as a language and that it wouldn’t be weighted. Additionally, I’m not really the best Latin student, with independent study, I’d be put on the spotlight more with translations and I’m sure that my grade would go down.</p>
<p>Most colleges only require two years of a foreign language and only top tier schools prefer three. Dropping Latin would not bar you from getting into great colleges, but that’s just my two cents.</p>
<p>I just thought that you could demonstrate both leadership and passion by being drum major.
And I don’t think many colleges actually REQUIRE 4 years, just recommend it!</p>
<p>Update: I chose Jazz band. I think it’ll be fine if I add a note in additional info stating that there’s a conflict. Additional to, I’ve held an office in Latin club and will continue to do club and Certamen this year. I’ve also attended to two state conventions… Four years of very active participation in Latin will show that I’m still dedicated and passionate about Latin</p>