Should I Join the School Band and Why?
Introduction to School Band
Joining a school band can be an incredibly enriching experience. It not only offers a platform to learn music, but also creates lasting friendships and elevates your spirits. These opportunities are ideal for students looking to explore music in a supportive environment. However, it's not just about the fun - colleges often look positively at students who have participated in band or chorus.
The benefits of joining a school band
Make Great Friends: Being part of a band fosters a sense of camaraderie and cooperation, leading to a lifelong group of friends. Improvise and Enhance Musical Skills: Engaging in music through band activities can help improve your playing skills and deepen your understanding of music theory. Promote Creative and Collaborative Environments: Participating in band allows you to express creativity and work collaboratively with others, contributing to a well-rounded education. Limited Job Prospects After High School: While playing in a band is a rewarding experience, the demand for band-only musicians is low in the post-high-school musical world. Consider supplementing your band experience with additional training and skills. Opportunities for Growth and Adversity: Experiencing both successes and challenges in a band setting prepares you for real-world issues and builds resilience.Personal Story: My Journey in School Band
I've been in band since the start and played three different instruments. It has been an amazing experience for me, and I've made great friends, learned new things, and had incredible opportunities for performance and in-class activities. Band is such a cool experience overall, and there are so many different instruments and music to play.
Real-Life Example: Positive Impact on School Life
Joining band can significantly enhance your school life. I joined band right away with the clarinet and it was the best part of school for me! I loved being up on stage for concert performances. My school didn't make everyone join marching band, so I had more freedom in participating. However, when I switched to a different school that required marching band, I quit because of the academic pressure and lack of stage performances. Without those performances, my school life became miserable, and I started getting poor grades, including failing grades (F's).
Accessing Resources and Instruments
Joining a band not only allows you to access various instruments but also provides an opportunity to share and learn from your peers. Renting an instrument is a practical option when you're just starting. If you're unsure about committing to a specific instrument, you can practice with others' instruments and even share when you make friends in band class. Additionally, your instructor might have spare instruments for you to use while you decide if you want to switch or if you want to try a different style of instrument. For instance, I had a friend who played the flute and got a piccolo, which my instructor seemed to love, to add depth to the music. There are other instruments like a tiny clarinet or a funky style trumpet that you can try if you're curious.
Future Prospects in Music
Participating in band can lead you down various paths in music. You can focus on one instrument or type and aim for a professional career, or you can aspire to be a jack-of-all-trades and explore different facets of music. I dreamed of playing in operas or for Broadway or at least for the local play theater, but teenage angst led me to stray from these dreams.
Ultimately, joining the school band is a decision that can greatly enrich your life, both personally and academically. Whether you're looking to enhance your musical skills, make new friends, or prepare for college, joining a school band can offer a multitude of benefits.