Should I Continue With Marching Band After High School? Three Points to Conisider As I Decide
Note: Music Educators, please share this article with your seniors. While it is spe- cific to marching band, its principles apply when considering participation in any collegiate ensemble - choirs, orcheuistras, wind bands, or jazz bands.
Many of us reflect on our senior year of high school as one of our most memorable rites of passage. So many decisions are made that have an impact on the rest of our lives – particularly regarding education and career. During their college search, many seniors view the college band experience as an important factor for consideration. Band students who intend to major in music education will invariably include marching band in their plans, but this article discusses three points (intellectual and emotional) for all band seniors to consider as they decide whether they wish to continue.
Point #1 – Won’t marching band take up too much time?
Well ahead of their first day of class as a college freshman, students who are serious about academic success are already aware that they cannot fully predict how their weekly routines will unfold. How will they balance their studies with the rest of their time? They tend to be conservative when choosing commitments, and many come from marching programs that require a significant time commitment during the fall season.
College and university bands post semes- ter schedules during the summer before
Marty Marks
their band camps convene. These schedules include every rehearsal and performance – a source of consolation to students who are eager to nail down their weekly routines. Students should request a copy of this sched- ule as they decide whether to join. Many are surprised to discover that often, college marching bands require less time than high school bands. Even when college bands require more time, it is comforting to know that so many other participants can man- age the commitment and still balance their schedules.
Point #2 – What if I am inadequate as a performer?
College bands host a wide range of musical ability within their ranks. Some can already perform at a professional level, while others have only attained the basic skills necessary to contribute to their high school band. Ev- eryone within this range can make a substan- tial contribution to a college marching band. What does a college band director perceive as the most valuable quality in a band mem- ber? Is it the ability to play faster, higher, or louder, or to move with the grace of a skilled dancer while marching? These are admirable qualities, but the most sought after ability is dependability. Regardless of talent or experi- ence, every student can choose to be depend- able – to be physically and mentally present in rehearsal, to have all required equipment on hand, and (believe it or not) to have on the right socks when in uniform! When decid- ing whether to continue with band, seniors should worry less about comparing their mu- sical abilities and focus more the high value
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