Marching Band?

[anon5434]

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I'm about to be a sophomore in college, and I'm trying to decide whether to do marching band again next year. I'm hoping that someone can help me shed some light on the situation. I did marching band during high school, and I was so happy to continue it in college - it was what I looked forward to most about college. I love the feeling of school spirit and of being a part of my university.

However, the problem is that the time commitment for rehearsals alone, not even football games and other performances, is about 10 hours per week in the evenings. I really need to get straight A's in the fall to bring up my GPA, and I'm very worried that the time commitment will cut into office hours and review sessions. I'm afraid I won't get the grades I want due to spending too much time with band, because that's what happened last year. I also really want to get involved in research/volunteering, and I'm involved in three other clubs and a sorority with varying levels of time commitment. I'm afraid that I won't have time for those other activities, given the time commitment of marching band. It seems strange to dedicate myself so fully to marching band for just half the year, and then spend the other half struggling to pick up the pieces in other activities and things that I may have needed to neglect for marching band. I don't want it to cut into my med school chances at all.

However, I really, really love marching band. The thrill of performing and feeling of family is just second to none, and I don't want regret not having that experience. I feel like I might be miserable if I force myself to focus only on schoolwork and med school-related activities. Given where I'm living next year, I'll be surrounded by people in marching band, because I used to be so sure I was going to do it again. Also, (and this is really just a side factor, not anything remotely decision-making by any means, it would just be an additional plus), I would be curious whether anyone would feel that marching band does make an applicant stand out a bit on an application, as opposed to someone who does "typical" pre-med activities.

Any advice on the decision would be very, very much appreciated.

 

[iforget2]

I had the same problem with orchestra. Similar to you, I loved everything about it: friends, school spirit, making music, etc. But I knew I had to quit sooner or later so I chose sooner 🙁 it was sad to not play an instrument anymore, but I felt like it was a necessary choice to make in order to get my grades where they want to be. If you choose to quit, just know that the friends you made in marching band will still be there and it won't feel as bad 🙂 good luck with your decision

 

[DrMario13]

I'm about to be a sophomore in college, and I'm trying to decide whether to do marching band again next year. I'm hoping that someone can help me shed some light on the situation. I did marching band during high school, and I was so happy to continue it in college - it was what I looked forward to most about college. I love the feeling of school spirit and of being a part of my university.

However, the problem is that the time commitment for rehearsals alone, not even football games and other performances, is about 10 hours per week in the evenings. I really need to get straight A's in the fall to bring up my GPA, and I'm very worried that the time commitment will cut into office hours and review sessions. I'm afraid I won't get the grades I want due to spending too much time with band, because that's what happened last year. I also really want to get involved in research/volunteering, and I'm involved in three other clubs and a sorority with varying levels of time commitment. I'm afraid that I won't have time for those other activities, given the time commitment of marching band. It seems strange to dedicate myself so fully to marching band for just half the year, and then spend the other half struggling to pick up the pieces in other activities and things that I may have needed to neglect for marching band. I don't want it to cut into my med school chances at all.

However, I really, really love marching band. The thrill of performing and feeling of family is just second to none, and I don't want regret not having that experience. I feel like I might be miserable if I force myself to focus only on schoolwork and med school-related activities. Given where I'm living next year, I'll be surrounded by people in marching band, because I used to be so sure I was going to do it again. Also, (and this is really just a side factor, not anything remotely decision-making by any means, it would just be an additional plus), I would be curious whether anyone would feel that marching band does make an applicant stand out a bit on an application, as opposed to someone who does "typical" pre-med activities.

Any advice on the decision would be very, very much appreciated.

I'm also a musician, and although the time isn't as much as your band experience it still is a big load. If you are set on medical school I would say focus on the things you enjoy, and that would help make you a better applicant. Also, you have a lot of activities, I'd recommend cutting them down and focusing on the few important ones. In the end I'm down to just research and my music, as well as volunteering which I unfortunately couldn't do this past semester due to a class interfering with the scheduled times. It's great to show your other passions, but if it hurts you in the long run by bringing down your GPA don't expect it to be a crutch or rescue come application season.

 

[GoBriightly]

I'm about to be a sophomore in college, and I'm trying to decide whether to do marching band again next year. I'm hoping that someone can help me shed some light on the situation. I did marching band during high school, and I was so happy to continue it in college - it was what I looked forward to most about college. I love the feeling of school spirit and of being a part of my university.

However, the problem is that the time commitment for rehearsals alone, not even football games and other performances, is about 10 hours per week in the evenings. I really need to get straight A's in the fall to bring up my GPA, and I'm very worried that the time commitment will cut into office hours and review sessions. I'm afraid I won't get the grades I want due to spending too much time with band, because that's what happened last year. I also really want to get involved in research/volunteering, and I'm involved in three other clubs and a sorority with varying levels of time commitment. I'm afraid that I won't have time for those other activities, given the time commitment of marching band. It seems strange to dedicate myself so fully to marching band for just half the year, and then spend the other half struggling to pick up the pieces in other activities and things that I may have needed to neglect for marching band. I don't want it to cut into my med school chances at all.

However, I really, really love marching band. The thrill of performing and feeling of family is just second to none, and I don't want regret not having that experience. I feel like I might be miserable if I force myself to focus only on schoolwork and med school-related activities. Given where I'm living next year, I'll be surrounded by people in marching band, because I used to be so sure I was going to do it again. Also, (and this is really just a side factor, not anything remotely decision-making by any means, it would just be an additional plus), I would be curious whether anyone would feel that marching band does make an applicant stand out a bit on an application, as opposed to someone who does "typical" pre-med activities.

Any advice on the decision would be very, very much appreciated.

I was in this exact situation a couple of years ago as well. I absolutely LOVED marching band and was even a section leader for a couple of years. But when taking into account the daily practices, the saturday morning practices, the games, etc... it ended up taking up too much time-- almost to the point where my grades started dropping. I decided to quit after my junior year to focus on classes and other extracurriculars. I found I was able to get in research, shadowing, clinical volunteering, etc while I was doing marching band. However, it was a struggle to keep a social life due to being so overcommitted.

I'm not sure what opportunities exist at your school, but at mine people are able to be in concert band, small ensembles, and take private lessons. You don't have to give up music all together (in fact, I suggest you don't!). However, sometimes in life you have to prioritize and do what is best for your goals. Although I do miss marching band at times, I have never regretted my decision once... I'm happier, have more time to have a social life, etc. And it's a really fun experience to go to a football game as a normal student for once 😉

 

[davidbm95]

If you feel you love it and it's your passion keep it. It would like great on the AMCAS app anyways. Med schools love passion. Just try to handle the schedule required for band.

 

[lobo.solo]

I was in a marching band also... I shared your passion for being in a a band and making music. This will be one of my most meaningful ECs since I became an instructor... OP I would say try it out and see if you can handle it, it's definitely challenging but will be rewarding for you and probably an unique EC to put down in your application...