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Should I Quit Band?

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ched_der
Posts: 362 - Karma: 867
Just started my freshmen year of high school and am currently taking band. I have played bass clarinet since 7th grade and am pretty good but lately this year I've been starting to lose my stoke for it. I have a great teacher, but the kids in my class are annoying as hell and none of my friends take the same class. Basically the only reason I'm sticking with it is because of the benefits band has on a college application, etc. Just wondering if anybody on NS has been in the same situation or experienced the benefits of band in their later years.
Nov 5 2014 8:57PM
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Shredsterr
Posts: 2090 - Karma: 6,930
It's up to you I think
Nov 5 2014 8:57PM
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swaggerboi
Posts: 321 - Karma: 1,374
it barely means shit for college so unless you guys take some cool band trips or do other fun stuff then Id quit if i wasnt into it
Nov 5 2014 8:58PM
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Bagina
Posts: 849 - Karma: 2,888
Kenny G was in band and he slays p00n daily.
Nov 5 2014 8:59PM
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ched_der
Posts: 362 - Karma: 867
swaggerboiit barely means shit for college so unless you guys take some cool band trips or do other fun stuff then Id quit if i wasnt into it


We are having a trip to seattle this year but I can't stand the people in my class so I am defiantly not going. (We have to raise $600 if we want to go)
Nov 5 2014 9:00PM
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PM4FreeJiberish
Posts: 447 - Karma: 3,533
Do whatever you want man.
Nov 5 2014 9:00PM
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,667
i mean when you're older are you gonna be like, hold on fellas let me break out my bass clarinet to rip some of my high school band tunes.



I would drop it if you're not stoked on it. Having an extra study hall is really nice too.
Nov 5 2014 9:01PM
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frosted_flakes
Posts: 1200 - Karma: 1,256
short answer: yes.
Nov 5 2014 9:01PM
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270on420out
Posts: 7519 - Karma: 51,244
Does it interfere with other parts of your life? If yes then quit, if no then stay.
Nov 5 2014 9:02PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10841 - Karma: 57,682
Hey! I did marching band all four years of high school, and my senior year I quit concert band, it was one of the best decisions of my high school life.
That being said, I made my best friends in band, had leadership roles, and loved my director. It's really up to you.
It did me jack shit for college- and my band was good.
Nov 5 2014 9:03PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,182
Colleges couldn't care less if you were in band or not. Now if you're planning on doing a music major then yes it's important.

I was in band all of high school and enjoyed it. Granted a lot of my good friends were also. If you don't like band then do something else but it's up to you.
Nov 5 2014 9:05PM
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sbarlett
Posts: 882 - Karma: 4,255
Im honestly in the same situation as OP. Im quitting next year, for a bunch of reasons. I play football and band, so I have to march at my games which sucks. Also, i have to go to stupid parades and shit and have only a few friends in band.

It's an easy 100 so it boosts your GPA, and colleges like to see it on a resume, but it really won't make much of a difference. Hope my opinion helped OP.
Nov 5 2014 9:20PM
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crotchvent
Posts: 1527 - Karma: 2,184
If your crazy good you could maybe get a scholarship. Ask yourself though do you want to do it in college if that answer is a no then I'd quit now and take some ap classes and study hard/score well on the ap like a 4 or 5 on it.
Nov 5 2014 9:41PM
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ched_der
Posts: 362 - Karma: 867
The referenced post has been removed.


Haha bro. I'm not sure you understand how messed up the girls in my band class are, I can safely assume that half of them are lesbian and the other half on their way.
Nov 5 2014 9:57PM
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rballs_
Posts: 709 - Karma: 2,992
Quitting band was the best decision of my life. Although it was pretty good for reeling in the p00ntang
Nov 5 2014 10:00PM
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act.resist
Posts: 8875 - Karma: 513
join orchestra and play the cello because cellos are sick.
Nov 5 2014 10:06PM
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deeznuts.
Posts: 173 - Karma: 429
if none of your friend are in it then i'd quit. I just did the same thing this year at my school. A bunch of weirdos were in my schools band haha
Nov 5 2014 10:18PM
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caucasian_chad
Posts: 4078 - Karma: 3,625
I quit after freshman year of HS, I just wanted to use it to get my 1 year fine arts requirement out of the way because our director was awesome and it seemed like the least painful option (I'm not at all artistically inclined). Didn't miss it at all to be honest, not being in band enabled me to take only 3 classes my senior year and then dip out at lunchtime and go ski/dick around before I worked in the evening because I was able to make more efficient use of my class hours without it. Also colleges don't care at all if you're in band. It might be another extracirricular to throw on scholarship apps, but if you don't like band I wouldn't say that's a good reason to keep doing it.
Nov 5 2014 10:23PM
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WPoch
Posts: 1762 - Karma: 3,864
schweitzerskiierJust started my freshmen year of high school and am currently taking band. I have played bass clarinet since 7th grade and am pretty good but lately this year I've been starting to lose my stoke for it. I have a great teacher, but the kids in my class are annoying as hell and none of my friends take the same class. Basically the only reason I'm sticking with it is because of the benefits band has on a college application, etc. Just wondering if anybody on NS has been in the same situation or experienced the benefits of band in their later years.


OP I was in the literally same position as you when I was in 7th grade. I played the bass clarinet up until freshmen year but dropped it sophomore because I just didn't like it. I did it my frosh year because my school requires an art credit to pass and band counts as one. It was also a easy 100.

I stopped doing it because it was to time consuming. The teacher would make me stay after to perfect a piece, I would need to come in during precious study time during school, and The concerts were awful. Plus the kids in it were not part of my friend group except for like 2 who I talked to. Also the taste of the instrument was awful after 11 years of unwashed bass clarinet juice in my mouth
Nov 5 2014 10:38PM
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Squirtle
Posts: 288 - Karma: 1,584
I played percussion throughout most of high school, and for the first three years I had a blast. A whole bunch of my friends were also percussionists, which is probably what made the class fun for me. During class we all just screwed around, then after class we would stick around and jump on a few instruments (mostly guitar, set, bass and piano) and just jam out. For a class in high school it was a whole lot of fun. But sadly, this all came to an end my senior year, all of my friends, that I would jam out with, graduated, and were replaced by these really annoying kids. I ended up getting really annoyed every day in class, so i dropped it at the end of the first semester, and I didn't regret it at all. I ended up picking up an extended lunch in the place of band, which was awesome, a whole hour and a half of lunch every day.

The only reasons to stay in band are if you have a bunch of friends in the class, if you love the instrument that you play, or if you for some reason you just love the class. If none of these apply to you drop the class, there are a lot of other things that would be a better investment of your time.
Nov 5 2014 10:47PM
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ched_der
Posts: 362 - Karma: 867
WPochOP I was in the literally same position as you when I was in 7th grade. I played the bass clarinet up until freshmen year but dropped it sophomore because I just didn't like it. I did it my frosh year because my school requires an art credit to pass and band counts as one. It was also a easy 100.

I stopped doing it because it was to time consuming. The teacher would make me stay after to perfect a piece, I would need to come in during precious study time during school, and The concerts were awful. Plus the kids in it were not part of my friend group except for like 2 who I talked to. Also the taste of the instrument was awful after 11 years of unwashed bass clarinet juice in my mouth


wow thats a crazy coincidence
Nov 5 2014 10:55PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
in my opinion doing something just for college apps is the dumbest shit on earth. if you're not enjoying it, then quit
Nov 6 2014 12:15AM
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E__
Posts: 5751 - Karma: 4,635
gapersarefriendsin my opinion doing something just for college apps is the dumbest shit on earth. if you're not enjoying it, then quit


This kids got it.

If you enjoy playing music pick up another instrument you'd like to play and learn on your own.
Nov 6 2014 12:58AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22714 - Karma: 76,725
NEVER!!!!!

Playing instruments was one of the greatest things I ever did in my life. Sure, maybe you go through a phase where band is lame as fuck... but you should take the musical experience you have and apply it somewhere else. Join/start a band of your own. With how fucking wild and experimental music is these days whatever the fuck you play mixed with some drum machines, synths and effects could be dope as fuck.

The thing that is key about band is learning to play with other people.

There is no synergy on this earth that matches the feeling of jamming with other musicians. When you can lock that shit in, its incredible.

Band helps you get the mechanics, but you need to take it from there.
Nov 6 2014 1:02AM
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conchetler
Posts: 280 - Karma: 609
Mr.BishopNEVER!!!!!

Playing instruments was one of the greatest things I ever did in my life. Sure, maybe you go through a phase where band is lame as fuck... but you should take the musical experience you have and apply it somewhere else. Join/start a band of your own. With how fucking wild and experimental music is these days whatever the fuck you play mixed with some drum machines, synths and effects could be dope as fuck.

The thing that is key about band is learning to play with other people.

There is no synergy on this earth that matches the feeling of jamming with other musicians. When you can lock that shit in, its incredible.

Band helps you get the mechanics, but you need to take it from there.


this so much

i was in the same boat you were in when i was a freshman in high school, and i am so glad i kept with it. music started becoming more prominent in my life than it had before, and i taught myself to play guitar out of it..and now music is my favorite thing besides skiing to invest my time in (girls think its neat too) now that im in college im considering minoring in music, and i have no idea what my life would be like if i had stopped band.

in the end its up to you, but i would def stay if i were you...i ended up really liking it by the end of senior year
Nov 6 2014 1:16AM
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22714 - Karma: 76,725
conchetlerthis so much

i was in the same boat you were in when i was a freshman in high school, and i am so glad i kept with it. music started becoming more prominent in my life than it had before, and i taught myself to play guitar out of it..and now music is my favorite thing besides skiing to invest my time in (girls think its neat too) now that im in college im considering minoring in music, and i have no idea what my life would be like if i had stopped band.

in the end its up to you, but i would def stay if i were you...i ended up really liking it by the end of senior year


Ever played a gig with a band?

Greatest feeling on earth. Of course... unless you totally bomb, which happens but man when you crush it there is absolutely nothing like it.
Nov 6 2014 1:18AM
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,014
one of the few regrets i have in life is stopping playing the piano. i stopped around 6th grade after playing for 5 or so years, and i regret it SO much. seriously, stick with it.
Nov 6 2014 1:22AM
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Laurent.
Posts: 10056 - Karma: 25,313
schweitzerskiierclarinet


Ahh yes, the most receiving of all instruments in the field when regarding a collection of blood sinusoids separated by sheets of connective tissue

Nov 6 2014 2:23AM
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NJurkiewicz
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 697
Mr.BishopEver played a gig with a band?

Greatest feeling on earth. Of course... unless you totally bomb, which happens but man when you crush it there is absolutely nothing like it.


Could not agree more. Released my debut record with my band in June and went on tour to support. Then most recently recorded a new album in August and can't be more stoked on it. This is coming from a music major in college so take it with a grain of salt, but I think no matter what your choice is you should stay involved in music somehow. I don't know where I would be without it.
Nov 6 2014 3:32AM
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DasGoatenshafter
Posts: 580 - Karma: 307
Don't quit.
Nov 6 2014 9:02AM
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*DUMBCAN*
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 5,628
Mr.BishopNEVER!!!!!

Playing instruments was one of the greatest things I ever did in my life. Sure, maybe you go through a phase where band is lame as fuck... but you should take the musical experience you have and apply it somewhere else. Join/start a band of your own. With how fucking wild and experimental music is these days whatever the fuck you play mixed with some drum machines, synths and effects could be dope as fuck.

The thing that is key about band is learning to play with other people.

There is no synergy on this earth that matches the feeling of jamming with other musicians. When you can lock that shit in, its incredible.

Band helps you get the mechanics, but you need to take it from there.


Bishop knows his shit.

Too bad the only instrument I play is classical piano and despite my diploma in its performance I'm nowhere near qualified to solo in an orchestra, as much as I'd like to.

That said I played keyboards in a metal band, never that good at it. I can't get my head round synths, no matter how hard I try.
Nov 6 2014 12:09PM
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ericjarviz
Posts: 58 - Karma: 229
All the shit they tell you helps on college applications, doesn't help at all. Unless you're a minority you're most likely not getting shit. Do it if you enjoy it, if not, don't let them convince you it's worth anything other than your enjoyment. Coming from a TON of experience.
Nov 6 2014 1:47PM
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*DUMBCAN*
Posts: 2447 - Karma: 5,628
ericjarvizAll the shit they tell you helps on college applications, doesn't help at all. Unless you're a minority you're most likely not getting shit. Do it if you enjoy it, if not, don't let them convince you it's worth anything other than your enjoyment. Coming from a TON of experience.


If you're doing something purely because college then drop it and take up something you do enjoy. Unless you're going for Harvard (and even then) it probably won't matter shit. Even if they bring it up in interviews then just say you like variety or something along those lines, anything positive rather than 'ugh. I got bored of it.'.
Nov 6 2014 2:09PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
i have no opinion on the subject other than Ohio State's marching band is dope as fuck....and this is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while,....

http://youtu.be/GTca2nrIn4U
Nov 6 2014 2:25PM
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Alex_G
Posts: 11902 - Karma: 1,019
learn to play in jazz band instead. jazz band is waaaaaaay more fun than concert band. and you can play jazz stoned once you know the material well.
Nov 6 2014 2:29PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52027 - Karma: 167,123
If you dont like it quit. I used to crush the trumpet but quit cause they wouldnt let me play percussion. I wanted the technical base for my drumming that i never got because i never took lessons. They needed me on trumpet, they took shit too seriously and i quit. Wish i had bought a trumpet first. Finally got my own 8 or 9 years later but im nothing like i used to be. Oh well.

Wish i had stayed with it or bought a trunpet even though i was poor. If you dont like it though quit. Yolo and stuff
Nov 7 2014 1:51AM
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Lemuel
Posts: 14527 - Karma: 10,964
Now that I am 23, I really wish I stuck with the trumpet when I was young. Yea you may think band is lame now (I was never in band, I played the trumpet for like 3 years in elementary school and then quit), but once you are older you may wish you stuck with it. Being able to play an instrument is badass.

Whenever I hear this song, I always think about how awesome it would be to play on the trumpet:





In case neither of those imbeds work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCWVuCCWqzQ
Nov 7 2014 6:56AM
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THEE_wizard
Posts: 304 - Karma: 1,842
I have played the trumpet since about fifth grade and it's been pretty great for me. Just this year my band teacher wanted me to play the baritone because there were a ton of trumpet players and no baritone in the band yet.(he also waved the rental fee for it at my school; I already own my own trumpet though) So I agreed. I'm starting to feel just like OP about it now but I just want to stick with it to know that I really did something good for me. Also I've stayed with it just because I feel that it is really good for me, learning and mastering rhythms. This is why I like it but if you don't have the same feeling you should probably quit. These are however the only reasons I stay. If I liked it even slightly less, I would probably quit.
Nov 7 2014 8:33AM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,274
BaginaKenny G was in band and he slays p00n daily.


Nothing else is relevant
Nov 7 2014 11:27AM
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
How many kids have quit something as beautiful and constructive as playing an instrument simply because they disliked the learning environment?

Go ahead and quit band if you're not feeling it, but don't quit the instrument. I quit violin after 7 years when I was in middle school (because the class sucked) and I regret it every day.

Playing an instrument is one of the most valuable skills you can have. It probably won't get you into colleges, or make you any money, and if you're any good you'll spend a lot of time alone playing in your room rather than going out and partying in college, but believe me when I say that it will save your life.
Nov 7 2014 1:08PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6955 - Karma: 25,221
I almost quit band in high school and now I'm really glad I stuck with it. In college I was able to travel with the band and played concerts in interesting places like Jordan and Israel. I also got involved with community bands and I've met lots of interesting musicians. It's a great stress reliever to play in the band and there are fun perks too. Tough it out through high school and your adult self will thank you for the free food and beverages, Oktoberfest passes and all the other stuff you get for being with the band.
TLDR- Stay in band and you'll be glad you did.
Nov 7 2014 2:45PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 52027 - Karma: 167,123
You fan quit band and still play music. Im jammed with people everywhere though. Still shoilda bought a trumpet while i had mean skills.

Considering i rarely practiced i was solid. Wish i had practiced more but thwy did a good job of making that now seem fun. Same with piano when i was a kid.
Nov 8 2014 8:41PM
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THEE_wizard
Posts: 304 - Karma: 1,842
Also the taste of the instrument was awful after 11 years of unwashed bass clarinet juice in my mouth


ewe
Nov 8 2014 8:48PM
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nickgarcia98
Posts: 14 - Karma: 464
I would quit because you get an extra block for a class like photography or some shit. i quit after freshmen year and now im getting 8 total credits while last year i only go 7 with band so yah dude fuck band.
Nov 9 2014 6:38PM
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ericjarviz
Posts: 58 - Karma: 229
lIllIHow many kids have quit something as beautiful and constructive as playing an instrument simply because they disliked the learning environment?

Go ahead and quit band if you're not feeling it, but don't quit the instrument. I quit violin after 7 years when I was in middle school (because the class sucked) and I regret it every day.

Playing an instrument is one of the most valuable skills you can have. It probably won't get you into colleges, or make you any money, and if you're any good you'll spend a lot of time alone playing in your room rather than going out and partying in college, but believe me when I say that it will save your life.


This is me spot on man. I loved playing music but my band director was a dick. I was an athlete too and he wasn't a fan of athletes because he had to direct performances at basketball/football games and his band was over-shadowed by the actual game. I get it I guess,he had to put serious time and effort into directing a band for the games but at the same time he drove me (and pretty much every other athlete) out of band suuuuuper quick with his smart ass comments and dickishness towards the select few of us.
Nov 10 2014 3:06PM
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ericjarviz
Posts: 58 - Karma: 229
*DUMBCAN*If you're doing something purely because college then drop it and take up something you do enjoy. Unless you're going for Harvard (and even then) it probably won't matter shit. Even if they bring it up in interviews then just say you like variety or something along those lines, anything positive rather than 'ugh. I got bored of it.'.


I don't have enough time to invest into something I don't enjoy so I truly did enjoy all the activities I did/do. I am just letting him,and anyone else, know NOT to do something just to buffer their application because it doesn't help at all.

I get your point though and I agree. I hated when club/team members weren't in it for a good reason. Half ass efforts always result in embarrassing performance.. at least in my experiences.
Nov 10 2014 3:11PM
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