<p>I agree with what has been said above. My kids both march. In their HS it is required in order to be in the band program. </p>
<p>I think for a music ed major who ultimately wants to teach at the HS level (and in a HS with a marching band) marching in college would be very important. There is so much involved in a marching band - it is a complex ensemble to coordinate and lead. If you want to do it professionally then you should get that exposure in college.</p>
<p>On a personal level my kids love marching band (and it is not because we live in NH where it is very cold at many games!). I am sure they have grown musically (to a degree) because of the experience, but they got so much more from marching band. Both of my kids are very enthusiastic about marching band, and I am sure they will always have very fond memories of it. The right band director will make marching band an incredible experience!</p>
<p>And yes, it is a huge time commitment.</p>