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[quote=Anonymous]1.  No, not all HSs require marching band. It depends on the HS.  My band kid was a TJ and it was voluntary. You could March without band class (many kids had to take a year off to meet TJ diploma requirements), take band without marching.  That said, the kids who do band tend absolutely love it, find their people, and stick with it for 4 years.

DC was pupil placed for IB before getting into HS and they required marching for I think the first 1-2 years, then it was voluntary?  Or only for the top band?  It’s been a few years. But there was a way to do band without marching all 4 years.

DC2 is at our base school and it is not required, but the band is primarily pep band football games, only competes once a year and just isn’t that strong.

Band director dependent.

2. I’m not sure what you mean by alternatives. All HSs have a broad range of ECs, musical and not

3.  I’ve never had a travel sports kid so I can’t compare, but marching band for DS was all consuming, 8/1 to about 11/1.  2 weeks of 8-5 home camp in August, 9 days of away camp, 12-14 hours of practice (3 nights a week), home football games, all day Saturday or Sunday practices early in the season, 4-5 full day weekend competitions, some 6am to midnight and some overnight.

But, TJ and Madison have the strongest marching band programs in the county. Some schools put in less time and compete less often.

4.  Like orchestra, there is Senior Regional Band, All District, All State, Solo and ensemble (all optional) and Full band district assessment, which is not. You can access other competitions through your private teacher or talking to your band director.

5.  Yes, you can show up and do pit orchestra, at least in my kids HSs.  It isn’t that competitive.

6.  DS did jazz band in MS.  Jazz band was a competitive entry EC that played in the community and  a curricular class option in HS for DS.  In both cases, they only took certain instruments. His instrument qualified in MS and it was a great (not very time consuming) activity. His instrument did not qualify for jazz band in HS.  You can also do all state jazz band.

Personally, I wouldn’t discourage marching band, because it’s a community/peer group of great kids, hard work, exercise and considered a significant EC by colleges. Many kids who do it think it’s the best part of HS.

Strategically, taking 4 years of band in HS is great. It shows dedication to colleges while also giving kids a down period to relax and do something completely different and an easy A.

If you name your HS, I’m sure someone can tell you whether marching is required and how strong the band program is. I will say my other kid just started senior year in orchestra.  And even though she has played in the highest ensemble, it is significantly time, energy, effort than band. 
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