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Post by ntsf on Aug 17, 2015 4:39:55 GMT
my dd went to an arts high school...and there are no marching bands in our school district. she played tuba in symphonic band...and would have never ever wanted to be in a marching band...she doesn't like that kind of tuba music. they were a strong group...several got full rides at conservatories... and when she went to a UC --she was in the wind essemble...and she made wonderful friends there. she never missed having the marching experience. her high school band was better than the college one some years...
she plays for fun still when she can. she took a high academic load in high school..and took AP music theory...and tutored middle school music students as required.. I think your child should do what they want to do...forget the pressure.
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Post by shaniam on Aug 17, 2015 14:36:02 GMT
I don't think you can do one and not the other at my son's school.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,790
Location: Kentucky
Jun 25, 2014 20:31:44 GMT
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Post by Kerri W on Aug 17, 2015 15:05:06 GMT
That's because it's almost cult like. Or at least it is at our school.
DS was recruited for the high school marching band in 7th grade. You already know it is a HUGE huge huge time commitment. This year, as a junior, he is taking six AP/advanced classes and made the decision to do only concert band and not marching band. The band instructor has always been a dick but he has escalated to the point that it's not going to take much more before we have a little sit down with the principal. He has harassed the crap out of DS and now has other kids doing it as well. DS has said he can handle it but it's getting old.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Oct 5, 2024 22:05:17 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2015 15:33:02 GMT
Our HS sends students into the middle school to recruit kids because they allow rising 8th graders to be in the HS marching band. DS shocked us by deciding to sign up; two of his best friends are from families with multiple sibs who were all in marching band, but still, we were shocked, because it didn't seem to be his "thing" either. And I cannot stress enough what a great experience it has been for him; it was the best decision he could have made. It made his transition to HS so much easier. From something simple like already knowing the layout of the building, to already having a whole set of friends when he walked in the door as a freshman. I don't know the culture of your school's marching band but I know ours is a large and strong organization that offers a "home" to those kids who may not be the "popular" kids. They are largely a fantastic group of kids who are kind and support each other. It's common for everyone to go to the diner after Saturday competitions, and even as a somewhat socially awkward and introverted eighth grader, upper classmen opened up space and welcomed him to their tables. I know you're looking for validation, but if I sound "pushy", it's just really because our experience has been so positive. I need to ditto this! I'm not saying your DD is immature or is lacking friends, but there's so much more to marching band than just marching. DS is an incoming freshman. He will have a leg up on some of his classmates. He already knows some upperclassmen through band. He already knows where certain classrooms are in the high school. The marching band pairs up sophmores, juniors and seniors with an incoming freshman, not just to help them through band camp and practices but to be a mentor during school if needed. The odds are higher that he will know someone in some of the classes that will be a mixture of grades. Plus I need to add that before he started going to the practices, he was still immature, lazy and in this middle school mindset. After the first week of practice, he's instantly more responsible and focused. He's already talking about working hard at becoming a section leader or drill instructor when he's a junior. That's a level of commitment I hadn't seen from him before. I'm not saying she should or shouldn't do it but I would encourage at least one year to see if it's something she can handle or even like.
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,562
Jul 24, 2014 19:51:57 GMT
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Post by MerryMom on Aug 17, 2015 22:01:25 GMT
Unless you opt out due to fall sport conflict, then if you are in band then you are in marching band as part of band grade includes playing at football games. Luckily son does XC so we can opt out, but once season is over he then goes to band
Now what is odd is that he gets a band grade, but he doesn't go to band he has to play and practice at home but log the practice time for his grade
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,816
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Aug 17, 2015 22:11:02 GMT
I was not in band, but I was on dance team and we marched with the band. It was probably one of the best times of my childhood. I have such fond memories. I would encourage you to reconsider. It is a lot of work, but I don't ever remember not having enough time to study, and participate in other activities. I also held a part time job.
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