Busting Myths About High School Band!
"Band takes time away from academics"
Band actually helps everyone learn a stronger sense of time management and productivity, and has been the home of many students in the top 10 people in their class. We've also had numerous AP Scholars, National Merit Finalists, Valedictorians--you name it, we've got it! Being surrounded by these people can help you learn how to manage your academics while in band. Plus, if you ever need help in a certain class, chances are at LEAST one person in band can help you out!
“Wondering how a band will affect your academics is a pretty common worry, especially for incoming freshmen. However, I’d say that being in band has actually improved my grades. The rehearsal schedule of high school band, especially during marching season, is definitely a lot more intensive than middle school, but it’s never enough to prevent you from getting the academic work done. Plus, high school band teaches you extremely impactful lessons on time management, and I mean it when I say there truly isn’t a better study environment than coming right out of an exciting, adrenaline-pumping marching rehearsal. Without the mindset you gain from band, there’s nothing to keep you from spending precious study time on your phone, so you shouldn’t be worried about band intruding on your academics because in most cases your grades will improve just by playing your instrument.” - Tyler Kerch, top 10 student in Class of 2021
"You can’t participate in or schedule other extracurriculars with Band"
Balancing other activities while trying to band = DEFINITELY POSSIBLE! There are multiple people in band who do different extracurriculars along with marching band. From choir, to JROTC, to cheer, the teachers, coaches, and directors will work with you to work things out!
“Overall, doing band and cheer was absolutely doable, especially due to the flexibility that the staff at Hebron has.” - Jacquelyn Burrer
"Changing Instruments is really difficult"
DON’T WORRY! For incoming freshmen, the process is scary enough as it is. Marching band is completely foreign, but what you don't realize is how easy it is to learn. Concert band helps improve your musical abilities, which is technically half of the marching band battle. However, there are a few sections that have to switch instruments for the marching band process (such as the oboes, bassoons, horns, euphoniums, tubas, etc.). All the upperclassmen in your sections have gone through this process, and are here to help you!
“As a horn player myself, that was pretty much my biggest concern going into high school. I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to hang at the level the upperclassmen were at. I speak on behalf of the brass groups switching instruments, that it’s easier than you might imagine!” - Rhett Reasonover, french horn and mellophone player
"Learning a new instrument isn't impossible and I think it helps you learn how to manage your time really well. Plus, there are always upperclassmen there to help you out when you get confused or need help!" - Linzy Manis, oboe and alto saxophone player
"Band leaves you no time for anything else"
Band has created a strong community of diverse individuals, and from this community, many of us have built new friendships and found new interests!
Jacquelyn Burrer, a junior flute player, has a blog about body image that she regularly works on, and is also very involved in other extracurriculars and political movements.
“Although being in band does take up a lot of time, it also pushes you towards trying new things and learning more about yourself. If you’re trying to decide between two activities or you’re worried your grades might slip because you’re too busy, I promise it’ll all work out. My advice is to just try it!” - Jacquelyn Burrer
To hear more from Jacquelyn, read her feature story on the blog!
"You have to be super athletic or fit to participate in band"
Band is home to many different people. Regardless of how athletic, unathletic, healthy, or unhealthy you believe yourself to be, this should never be a reason to not join band!
"I remember feeling nervous coming into summer band because even though I did athletics in middle school, I didn't think I was very strong or anything. Turns out, I was worrying for nothing! You learn a lot in band, and being here has helped me to push myself to become stronger and have endurance. Not only do we get to make some amazing music, but also stay active. Band helps you grow not only in your musical abilities, but in your physical abilities as well!" -Uzma Sheikh
Whatever your concerns are, don’t worry. Chances are, we have all been there at some point in our high school band experience! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, or submit questions on the contact page of this website. Stay safe!