Band vs. Orchestra

[lhampton]

I''m not much of a band person. I love orchestra
though. I have to decide between high schools soon. There are two schools that I
would like to go to: School A pros: Very good Orchestra, good academics, most of
my friends are going there. I know the orchestra director very well. Cons: Very
large student population, Orchestra meets before school I''d have to drive if
my mom goes back to work full-time and it''ll be two years before I could do
that, bad reputation in the past (Little Rock Central), I live 20 minutes away
and would have to ride the bus. School B pros: Good Band but not as good as I
would like, arts and science school, I live 8 minutes away, My parent''s would
like me to go to this school. Small school Cons: I don''t like to march and
band music, the director is new, The SAT and ACT scores aren''t as good at
school b as they are at school a. I''m looking for any advice to help me make
my decision. I still don''t really know what I want to do with my life either
and that would help my decision. Are Band scholarships better than orchestra
scholarships and is there a better chance of getting one more than the other?
I''m pretty sure I want to have a career in music, but I don''t want to be a
band or orchestra director at a school. I''d love to be in an Orchestra such
as Boston''s or Philidelphia''s, but I don''t know whether my goal is that
realistic. I currently have a 4.0 for the semester and have no problem
mantaining it. I play in both a band (in school) and a youth orchestra outside
of school. I made the top group in both all-region band and orchestra. I also
take private lessons. Any helpful information will be appreciated. Thank you.
Leanne

[AG950Flute]

Well, a few things... I think you should go to the
high school where you will get the most out of it both musically and
academically. You mentioned that a lot of your friends are going to be going to
School A, is it possible for you to get a ride with one of them in the morning
that will also be in orchestra? I'm not really sure what you mean by band
scholarships vs. orchestra scholarships. Is there one in your area that you're
trying to get or one at the school? Or are you wondering if these scholarships
exist, and if so which is better? Anyway, I think if you want to have a career
in music aim for it. Going through high school playing in a big orchestra was
always my dream too, and I'm still striving for it. But available positions are
few and far between. So, I'm now looking at any possible position so I can
play, which includes some of the Military Bands. Also, it's great that you're
playing in a youth orchestra, because that means regardless of what school you
go to, you'll still have that as an extracurricular activity. Talk to your
private teacher about it too, they generally give good life advice as well as
good flute advice [:)] Best of luck!

[flutietootie4lyfe]

I think school A is good for you. I think your going
to excel acedemically and musically. If you are willing to get over the
obstacles this will really help for a college and career. Mabye you can get a
ride with one of your friends to school! P.S. What state do you live in i mean
I'm about 20 minutes out of Boston and you mentioned it.

[lhampton]

Well, I live in Little Rock, Arkansas. There is
almost nothing down here. Most of the population are dimwits and rednecks. The
music program's in Arkansas are awful. School A has a lot to offer but so does
school B. Would I have a better chance of getting a scholarship to college (out
of state) in band versus a scholarship in Orchestra? thank you so much.
Leanne

[AG950Flute]

music scholarships at colleges are not based on or
given in terms of band or orchestra. most of them are based on your own
individual talent in solo playing. so, i think regardless of what school you go
to a college will not weigh heavily on your ensemble playing rather on your own
individual playing. hope that makes sense