My 1st question would be: What does your entire schedule look like. Reason I ask, is because there are hundreds/thousands who take full load AP/Honors classes or the entire IB program, and they still have the ability to take elective type classes such as band, chorus, JrROTC, art, etc... I know my son on average, 8 classes per semester.
I don't have the complete recent class (2016) profile yet, but here's a link to the class of 2015. Shows what the average cadet had/did in high school.
http://paulryan.house.gov/UploadedFiles/USAFA_2015.pdf
To answer your question about a foreign language in high school when applying to the military academies. There isn't a specific requirement. However, the academy has certain academic recommendations. Remember, they are looking for the most "WELL ROUNDED" individuals. According to the Air Force Academy Catalog, (Click on the link in my signature block for the catalog), it recommends the following to be competitive:
To be competitive for an Air Force Academy appointment, we recommend you complete the following high school courses at a minimum:
• 4 years of English
• 4 years of college-prep math (with coursework through pre-calculus and a strong background in algebra and trigonometry)
• 3 years of social studies
•
2 years of a modern foreign language
• 4 years of science (chemistry and physics are strongly recommended)
That doesn't mean you MUST take thMem. However, for every area you are weak in, you better be so much stronger in another area. Not trying to discourage you, but you have to realize that the academy wants the BEST of the BEST. More than half of the cadets coming in are in the top-10% of their high school class. They average a 3.86 gpa. They are ALL taking AP classes or are in the IB program. Now, the academy understands if your school doesn't have all these opportunities. That's why they require your school to send them a "School Profile". It lists all the class that are available. Then the academy can see what classes you are taking. Even the big schools like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc... most use the same application. It's called "The Common Application". After it gets through asking about your name, address, family, and financials; the first question it want answered is your ACT/SAT scores AND the AP classes or IB Program/Classes you took. They then get into the rest of your classes, extra curricular, etc... And just about any advanced academic setting will include foreign language.
Now; does this mean you must drop band to take spanish, french, german, or whatever? Only you can decide that. But remember; the stuff the academy "recommends" for you to be "COMPETITIVE" is higher than the MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS for the academy. But it's usually much LOWER than what most candidates/cadets have. E.g. Academy recommends Pre-Calc, but most candidates/cadets have had Calc. I recommend you find ways to take all of the hardest classes you can manage.
Also; you must find time for athletics. Band is good, and it's an extra-curricular which is important. So are numerous other clubs and activities. But those AREN'T athletics. You need to be doing varsity sports or non-high school equal. "No, youth soccer isn't equal". But national/state/etc... competitive sports can be an equal. So remember; the academies want the most well rounded person. I have seen 4.0gpa students who almost ACED the SAT, not receive an appointment, because that's all they had. They didn't have anything else to round them out. Best of luck to you. Mike....