Parent Information - Academics and Band

Parents often wonder how and if their children can be successful at both academics and Band, when Marching Band, Colorguard and Drumline rehearsals take so much time. It definitely is possible to do both successfully.

One of the life lessons learned is time management. School Books are brought on the bus ride to competitions. Studying can be done in-between semi-finals and final performances, during 'downtime'.

Talk to the Juniors and Seniors. You’ll learn that they are taking AP classes and have their sights set on top colleges and universities. The key to success is striking a balance and learning how to organize their time. All rehearsals are scheduled ahead of time. That is, there are no last minute surprises, so it’s very easy for the students to plan. If a paper or assignment is due the day after a rehearsal, you will find these students preparing one day earlier. If an exam is coming up, these students will take their study materials to a competition, so they can get in some study time on the drive to the competition and after the competition is over.

If you feel that your child's grades are slipping due to Band or ColorGuard's commitments, please contact Mr Otani. There are several juniors and seniors who are AP students. Ask for assistance and consultation before making any decisions.

Students will often list their achievements in the Music programs on their college and job applications, as well as on scholarship applications. And, yes, there are scholarships available for those interested in music. Some of our graduates have received scholarships from their respective university. Some have continued their participation in the band programs at their university, and they have found the camaraderie and teamwork experience in college to be just as rewarding as in high school.

And, did you know that the Alumni Music Boosters present scholarships to Seniors? This has been a tradition for over 7 years, and these scholarships are not limited to those going on in music. We are very proud of the achievements of the students who participate in the Band programs, both on and off the field.