Looking for different perspectives--help

I am not trying to take the side of the band director, but could you try to reschedule for a different time during the day, or even for a different day. My son re-scheduled his interview with one of our senators and we are pretty sure that was where his nomination came from. I know they are busy people but they understand that the kids that apply for the SA's are very busy too.
I am just trying of a different way to de-fuse a potentially terrible situation.
 
Band Directors...

What is it with band directors??? Do they go to special training to act this way? Our son is at USAFA (2013) and he had an eerily similar experience with the band director when he decided to leave band at the end of 11th grade. The band director did not care, understand, or attempt to be civilized about WHY we felt it was in son's best interest to leave band. Our reason was to load up on AP courses senior year and secure his GPA in preparation for applying to USAFA. We had as much of the band life we could stand and felt it was time to move on. Unfortunately, this band director did not make band fun in any way and it began to feel like punishment to even show up for practice or performances. No amount of discussing or rationalizing worked. I keep hearing similar stories about band directors all over the place...I don't really think ALL band directors act this way but it sure is interesting to note how many do! Best of luck resolving this. I can feel your pain!
 
We are getting the details worked out but he will be out of band next semester. He will then be free to pursue Robotics and put more energy into his 3 AP and 1 IB classes this year. There will also be more time to put into volunteering. A much more predictable schedule. I can't begin to count the number of last minute practices, etc that kept us from scheduling other events. This will be a good thing.

My wife has much more music experience than I (my experience is the 'on/off' knob) and says this behavior is normal for band directors. Good ones are abnormal.
 
yfx4 said:
We are getting the details worked out but he will be out of band next semester. He will then be free to pursue Robotics and put more energy into his 3 AP and 1 IB classes this year. There will also be more time to put into volunteering. A much more predictable schedule. I can't begin to count the number of last minute practices, etc that kept us from scheduling other events. This will be a good thing.

My wife has much more music experience than I (my experience is the 'on/off' knob) and says this behavior is normal for band directors. Good ones are abnormal.
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That’s great! It’s good to hear that it all worked out in the end… Now that it’s over you can breathe a little easier.
 
Awesome result. My dd's band directors have been nothing but gracious. Sorry that you had to jump through these hoops to pursue the AFA dream. Hopefully you won't miss playing too much.
 
He will still play. Just not for the school.
 
I was in band all through middle and high school and while my band directors were always fairly understanding, I had some similar experiences with not doing marching band. I didn't have time for both tennis and mb and the director wasn't going to let me be in band at all. Eventually my parents convinced him, but it is funny the large number of band director horror stories I have heard over the years.
 
OK, Gotta brag.

DS had his interview today. Went VERY well. One of the 4 panel members told DW that she has an amazing son. Then....gave her a big hug.

We were told the slate will be released in February. More waiting..............
 
Sounds like a good day for you! Congrats. The waiting is awful - but even kids waiting to hear from civilian colleges are in this angst too.
 
fencersmother said:
Sounds like a good day for you! Congrats. The waiting is awful - but even kids waiting to hear from civilian colleges are in this angst too.
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Agreed. We already have the backup schools in pocket with scholarships. AFROTC and AFA are the primary plan--waiting for what you really want..........builds character?:rolleyes:
 
Not a big deal, just be honest.

From what I have read, it sounds like you are receiving some good advice already, but I will add my opinion as well. The academy is looking for well rounded students who are involved in a variety of activities. They don't want only athletes, only band members, or a pure academic. My advice would be to call up you ALO, tell him the situation and how it band is taking up too much time, and that will be it. Definitely not something to stress over, especially if your son has been involved in band throughout high school. Stuff happens, its how you deal with it that matters. Good luck!
 
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