Alternatives to HS Band

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s an uncommon instrument and to name it would be too identifying. There are few players county-wide. Instead of feeling featured as she would in some bands, she often feels ignored, asked to play another instrument’s music or sit out, doesn’t receive feedback, etc. She’s good, according to her private teacher and solo festival adjudicators, but isn’t feeling the love in her HS band.

Band is a team sport.

I get PP’s meaning. DD was been part of this team for 8 years. Eventually most players want to feel like they are progressing, growing, and taking on more leadership among their peers.

[Anonymous]

Band may not be a sport, but it's a full year activity. My son hated his bad director, but stuck with it because that's where his group of friends were. Plus they have the huge band trip to Florida, he didn't want to miss out or find a new group.

[Anonymous]

Private lesson’s and orchestra.

[Anonymous]

Mine couldn’t fit band into her schedule with the IB diploma coursework. She’s still taking private lessons, and she joined a local youth orchestra. It’s really just one evening rehearsal a week and a couple of concerts. Nothing too taxing, but still allows her to keep playing with an ensemble and improving.

Some orchestras (including PVYO and MCYO) have auditions at the end of the summer, so there may still be time for yours to join for next year. (Assuming it’s an instrument appropriate for an orchestra, since you didn’t specify, and not something like the accordion).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mine couldn’t fit band into her schedule with the IB diploma coursework. She’s still taking private lessons, and she joined a local youth orchestra. It’s really just one evening rehearsal a week and a couple of concerts. Nothing too taxing, but still allows her to keep playing with an ensemble and improving.

Some orchestras (including PVYO and MCYO) have auditions at the end of the summer, so there may still be time for yours to join for next year. (Assuming it’s an instrument appropriate for an orchestra, since you didn’t specify, and not something like the accordion).

Those orchestras require students to participate in their school ensembles. It’s not an either or.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine couldn’t fit band into her schedule with the IB diploma coursework. She’s still taking private lessons, and she joined a local youth orchestra. It’s really just one evening rehearsal a week and a couple of concerts. Nothing too taxing, but still allows her to keep playing with an ensemble and improving.

Some orchestras (including PVYO and MCYO) have auditions at the end of the summer, so there may still be time for yours to join for next year. (Assuming it’s an instrument appropriate for an orchestra, since you didn’t specify, and not something like the accordion).

Those orchestras require students to participate in their school ensembles. It’s not an either or.

PVYO emphasizes that it “strongly encourages” private lessons, but explicitly states they are not a requirement for participation. And they don’t mention participation in school ensembles at all (this is from the latest 2023-24 Season at a Glance handout included with the audition info email).

From the MCYO website (https://mcyo.org/?page_id=157):
“MCYO strongly encourages its musicians to participate in their school music programs. The daily ensemble experience greatly enhances our program.
MCYO requires that all musicians take weekly private lessons on their orchestra instruments. It is essential that musicians receive this guidance throughout the entire season.”

So maybe some orchestras do require members to participate in school ensembles, but not all have that mandate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mine couldn’t fit band into her schedule with the IB diploma coursework. She’s still taking private lessons, and she joined a local youth orchestra. It’s really just one evening rehearsal a week and a couple of concerts. Nothing too taxing, but still allows her to keep playing with an ensemble and improving.

Some orchestras (including PVYO and MCYO) have auditions at the end of the summer, so there may still be time for yours to join for next year. (Assuming it’s an instrument appropriate for an orchestra, since you didn’t specify, and not something like the accordion).

Those orchestras require students to participate in their school ensembles. It’s not an either or.

No, they don't. They require private lessons. They prefer you do, but it's not mandatory. Mine hasn't done school band and still plays for one.

[Anonymous]

DCYO is another option.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. This is OP and I’m researching MCYO and PVYO, leaning toward the latter. I appreciate the direction.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks all. This is OP and I’m researching MCYO and PVYO, leaning toward the latter. I appreciate the direction.

Both are fantastic programs. Get a private instructor to prep them for the audition.

[Anonymous]

Have you talked with her private teacher? My son takes private lessons (sax) and his instructor is always forming small groups/ ensembles of kids to play at different things. If your child’s instructor doesn’t do that themself, they may be able to suggest a group that does.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you talked with her private teacher? My son takes private lessons (sax) and his instructor is always forming small groups/ ensembles of kids to play at different things. If your child’s instructor doesn’t do that themself, they may be able to suggest a group that does.

Imporant for Sax, which is not an orchestra instrument.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s an uncommon instrument and to name it would be too identifying. There are few players county-wide. Instead of feeling featured as she would in some bands, she often feels ignored, asked to play another instrument’s music or sit out, doesn’t receive feedback, etc. She’s good, according to her private teacher and solo festival adjudicators, but isn’t feeling the love in her HS band.

Let he quit band but encourage her to keep playing her instrument. It'll help her stand out in her application. If you can find a good college with a band which uses that instrument, even better (especiallyif their player will be graduating the same year as her).

[Anonymous]

NP in a similar boat. Does anyone have experience with PVYO? I’m most curious about their wind ensemble just for high school students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP in a similar boat. Does anyone have experience with PVYO? I’m most curious about their wind ensemble just for high school students.

My PVYO kid (Philharmonia) has really enjoyed it. Especially the spring concert at the Strathmore—amazing experience to be able to play in a real concert hall (vs. high school theaters and smaller venues).

No experience with the wind ensemble, though. PVYO in general seems well-organized and communicative, no complaints there.