Suzie
5-Year Member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2010
- Messages
- 159
That was our class motto -- I wonder if they recycle them.
Pardon my ignorance, but is band really a course? I thought it was an ECA.
Let me be brutally honest here . . . you may not like what I'm telling you, but I'm going to say it anyway. If your son is really, really interested in USNA, skip band and take the math/science courses on your list. I'm sure he loves band. I'm sure it provides leadership. But, USNA doesn't care all that much about band and band leadership is . . . [shrug] not a huge deal.
I don't mean to insult all of you band-types out there. As someone who is not the least bit musically inclined, I have great respect for those who can read music, play an instrument, and march at the same time. However, it's not really going to help you in the USNA admissions process. In the military, music is largely performed by the enlisted ranks, who are really good at it. Thus, having officers who are musically gifted isn't that important.
I know the above goes against my typical advice, which is to do the ECAs that interest you rather than what will help get you into an SA. But that doesn't mean you should substitute what USNA considers a "fluff" course/ECA in place of a "real" math/science course. Also, the OP already has some issues with standardized tests. One way to help offset those is doing well in hardcore math and science classes. While a "band" course won't hurt if it's your 6th or 7th course, I wouldn't want it to be one of my 5 unless I already was super-strong academically.
The above said, if the young man is iffy about USNA and thinks he might want to attend a civilian college and be active in the band [and there is nothing wrong with this as a Plan B], then he might want to stick with the course and take his chances on doing well on the 3 math/science courses he's taking and working hard to improve his SAT/ACT scores.
I can understand where you are coming from, I really didn't understand it until my son was involved!! But I have learned and I totally get it now and will try to explain.
Band is not just playing music and marching around, especially being a Field Commander/Drum Major....I would have to say it is one of the best Leadership positions in High School.
Field Commander/Drum Major
My son attended George Parks Drum Major academy to learn the skills he needed to perform/teach.
1) Leadership - This is HUGE part of the position....
-My son leads 80 High Schoolers (Seniors to Incoming Freshman), The students look up to him on field and off. He earns their respect and they really look up to him.
-He teaches them to march, from the basics of technique, toe lift, posture to reading drill and moving around the field in sync, all 80 kids. He corrects them, praises them. This is not straight marching but marching and performing a show. They do straight marching also,but as practice, listening to commands from the field commander and having march off's to keep them attentive and used to moving with commands.
-When they are performing, ALL eyes are on the Field Commander, he runs the show. He makes decisions that affect all 80 students, striving to be the best and winning! They compete against other high schools, and also to acheive Distinguished Rating in thier ability.
2)Responsibility -
-He has to know how to march, how to direct, how to observe the band and how to LEAD!
-He must know the music, all the instruments, as he has to direct EVERYONE during performances.
-The Field Commander reports directly to the Band Director - he takes orders and performs them.
3)Dedication/Physical Exertion
-Didn't think band has Physical Exertion....during Summer Band Camp, they practice from 8-5 daily for 2 weeks. Learning to march, music, work as a team. They run, do push ups....thier conditioning has to be good...consider they are on the field moving while playing an instrument.
-After band camp, they practice and practice, redoing, doing, until perfect. You can't miss practice, as everyone is counting on each other. Practicing as much if not more than the sports teams.
4) Discipline
-This definitely teaches discipline, I have seen kids so tired they want to quit, but when the Field Commander calls ATTENTION....they stand tall!
-Discipline being a Field Commander/Drum Major....Showing you can do it, and continuing to teach others and move as a team until they get the confidence. It is not easy!! Band members definitely have to have determination and a strong will to succeed and the Field Commander has to keep this focus.
Here is a You tube video of a band, (not my son's band) so you can get an idea what all this work leads up to....the person on the podium in front of the band is the Field Commander. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyvZKG4i6Ro&feature=related
I am so glad that you brought this up, it just shows when my son completes his application he should definitely "explain" band to USNA.....it really is not just "Fluff" and may be labeled extra curricular.....but this leadership position could go up against sports leadership position and WIN hands down!!!
This leadership position is also earned by trying out and having judges not affiliated with the program. You have to be good at what you do or you are not chosen to be the Field Commander.
I hope this has helped you understand Band, especially the Field Commander position.
If you have any questions just let me know!
Suzie
p.s. My son is definitely not iffy about USNA, he just loves to be in charge and the challenges of being a Field Commander!