11 answers
Kieran
Student
Huntsville, Alabama
1
Question
Updated
987 views
Should I quit middle school band?
I’ve done band since 6th grade, and used to love it. Recently though, i’ve lost interest in band and even hate going to class. I don’t even have the motivation to practice anymore. If I do quit, I have nothing else. I don’t play any sports, and band is the only thing i’m doing right now. If I stay, i’ll probably hate it even more than I do. #education
UPDATE: We had high schoolers come to our school recently and talk to us about band in high school. Ever since then, I now know that I’m doing band for the rest of my high school career if I can. Thank you everyone for the responses, your responses were also pretty helpful :)
Login to comment
11 answers
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
It's a shame to find you've lost interest in something you used to love. I agree with the Yasemin that you should give some thought as to "why" before you give up entirely. But the good thing is that playing an instrument is a skill - which you can use in many ways, even outside of band. You can play with a jazz ensemble, a string orchestra, a marching band or even a pop music band! Perhaps practicing a different type or style of music will be more fun? Maybe switching to another instrument would be an interesting way to mix things up and challenge yourself? Why don't your discuss your situation with the band conductor and see what advice he or she has for you?
If you are truly ready to stop music altogether and are concerned that you "have nothing else", then take a minute to consider what you want to make your own. Do you want to volunteer in some way - something related to a career interest, politics, a hobby? Would you be interested in joining an academic team (math team, debate club, Model UN, etc)?? There are more options than just band or sport, so think broadly. Your middle school may have a guidance counselor with whom you could consult on other ways to spend your time, so you have "something" else.
Good luck - and don't be afraid to seek advice from the adults in your life!
If you are truly ready to stop music altogether and are concerned that you "have nothing else", then take a minute to consider what you want to make your own. Do you want to volunteer in some way - something related to a career interest, politics, a hobby? Would you be interested in joining an academic team (math team, debate club, Model UN, etc)?? There are more options than just band or sport, so think broadly. Your middle school may have a guidance counselor with whom you could consult on other ways to spend your time, so you have "something" else.
Good luck - and don't be afraid to seek advice from the adults in your life!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1340
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kieran you’ve probably heard it a hundred times: college admissions officers are looking for well-rounded applicants with plenty of extracurricular activities. Participation in a music ensemble demonstrates teamwork, focus, and dedication – all of which are invaluable traits for college applicants.
Kieran can I suggest possibly expanding your involvement in band, if possible. For example, try to become a section leader, or run for cabinet position. Organizational and leadership skills are important to develop early, and admissions officers will certainly take note. Oh yes, the much anticipation "L" word: Leadership. Colleges love it, grad schools love it even more. I regret with every part of my being that it took me until my last year to apply to be apart of marching band leadership. Not only was it one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever asked for, but it was also one of the best things I could have done. Being in leadership gives you a sense of responsibility that makes you want to share it with others. The actual activity doesn't much matter. No one activity is better than another. BAND, drama, sports, yearbook, dance, community service... Any one of these can be a winner on a college application if you reveal dedication, leadership, and passion. Colleges offer a wide range of sports, clubs, musical ensembles, theater groups, and student organizations. The college wants to enroll a group of students with diverse interests. Whether you’re majoring in a music field or not, many colleges and organizations award students participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including band. Many scholarship providers give specific criteria students should meet in order to qualify for scholarships – for example, a student must have participated in high school band AND some band scholarships don’t even require that you continue to participate in it in college.
Hope this helped Kieran
Kieran can I suggest possibly expanding your involvement in band, if possible. For example, try to become a section leader, or run for cabinet position. Organizational and leadership skills are important to develop early, and admissions officers will certainly take note. Oh yes, the much anticipation "L" word: Leadership. Colleges love it, grad schools love it even more. I regret with every part of my being that it took me until my last year to apply to be apart of marching band leadership. Not only was it one of the most rewarding experiences I could have ever asked for, but it was also one of the best things I could have done. Being in leadership gives you a sense of responsibility that makes you want to share it with others. The actual activity doesn't much matter. No one activity is better than another. BAND, drama, sports, yearbook, dance, community service... Any one of these can be a winner on a college application if you reveal dedication, leadership, and passion. Colleges offer a wide range of sports, clubs, musical ensembles, theater groups, and student organizations. The college wants to enroll a group of students with diverse interests. Whether you’re majoring in a music field or not, many colleges and organizations award students participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, including band. Many scholarship providers give specific criteria students should meet in order to qualify for scholarships – for example, a student must have participated in high school band AND some band scholarships don’t even require that you continue to participate in it in college.
Hope this helped Kieran
Thank You David. “Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James Durst
Doc Frick
Thank you Kim for your continued support. When there is hope in the future, there is power in the present, and since hope is the foundational quality of all change, there is considerable reason to be excited.
Doc Frick
Thank you Dexter for your continued support. A sincere compliment is one of the most effective tools to teach and motivate others.
Doc Frick
Thank You Ty. “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” — Muhammad Ali
Doc Frick
Terry Brinegar
Supervisor
8
Answers
Clayton, North Carolina
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Kieran
I was in Middle School Band and I hated it too. I joined for the wrong reasons. There was a girl I liked and I joined because of her. However once I started high school I switched instruments to joining the drum line. This was a lot of hard work but I did enjoy it. It did feel like I was part of a team and the Percussion group was pretty tight. I was not a good student in middle school but I believe that my involvement in High School Band turned me around in school and I went from very low grades to pretty much Honor Roll every grading period. Some of my best Memories are from the High school football games and the completions we would go to on Saturdays . I even had an opportunity to compete with a Drum and Bugle Corps and traveled to the 1991 DCI championships at the Cotton Bowl in TX.
So you can give it time I think It will get better for you.
I hope this helps
Terry
I was in Middle School Band and I hated it too. I joined for the wrong reasons. There was a girl I liked and I joined because of her. However once I started high school I switched instruments to joining the drum line. This was a lot of hard work but I did enjoy it. It did feel like I was part of a team and the Percussion group was pretty tight. I was not a good student in middle school but I believe that my involvement in High School Band turned me around in school and I went from very low grades to pretty much Honor Roll every grading period. Some of my best Memories are from the High school football games and the completions we would go to on Saturdays . I even had an opportunity to compete with a Drum and Bugle Corps and traveled to the 1991 DCI championships at the Cotton Bowl in TX.
So you can give it time I think It will get better for you.
I hope this helps
Terry
Yasemin G.
Aspiring physician
635
Answers
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Kieran! I'm sorry to hear that you've lost the motivation to practice especially since you loved it before. Ultimately this is up to you even though advice may be given, because in the end you need to do what makes you happy. If you decide that band is not for you anymore and you would be happier to not play then quitting would probably be more in your favor. However, before deciding this, especially since you loved it so much before, try to ask yourself why you don't want to practice anymore. I think playing an instrument is so valuable in so many ways and it would be sad to lose a musician, of course you can still practice on your own time if that will make you more happy. Possibly you may want to take some time to yourself and practice by yourself than with a larger group; I would try to think about why you changed in your feelings and why you don't feel motivated anymore. Truly reflect and give yourself some time because you may not be 100% sure, and it also seems you aren't since you are seeking advice about whether or not to quit. Therefore maybe think about it a bit more because if you ultimately quit then joining again may be difficult if your decision does change.
I hope this helps!
Best of luck!
I hope this helps!
Best of luck!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1662
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Kieran,
Throughout life, we try different things. Some become a passing fad, some we stick with for life. You don't say what grade you are in now, so I don't know how long you have been doing band. You do need to ask yourself why you want to quit. A lot of times, "it's no fun anymore" covers up deeper issues, like, social matters- friends who aren't friends anymore. Or, maybe band was "fun" and you like music as a hobby, but you don't want it turned into something deeper. That happened to me, when I started playing guitar. My Dad made me join the "folk" band at church. I honestly wasn't good enough to be with them, and now, what had been the thing I turned to when life got me down, was no longer there for me. Guitar became something I hated.
Middle school is a time of exploration. My son went through so many hair styles, wardrobe choices, and activities in those few years! Football, soccer, band,, etc. When he got to high school, he got into both ROTC and FFA, and stayed with both for 4 years. Even as you enter adulthood, you will find you no longer like certain types of work, and want to move into something different. It's okay, and, it's how we grow.
All I ask is that if you quit, you do it for the right reasons, and, you try to keep it as a hobby. There's something very calming about playing music, it takes your mind away from everything else. Try to keep it in your life. Oh, and look around for other activities. Drama, debate, yearbook, sports, etc. It's good to be involved in something!
hope this helps!
Kim
Throughout life, we try different things. Some become a passing fad, some we stick with for life. You don't say what grade you are in now, so I don't know how long you have been doing band. You do need to ask yourself why you want to quit. A lot of times, "it's no fun anymore" covers up deeper issues, like, social matters- friends who aren't friends anymore. Or, maybe band was "fun" and you like music as a hobby, but you don't want it turned into something deeper. That happened to me, when I started playing guitar. My Dad made me join the "folk" band at church. I honestly wasn't good enough to be with them, and now, what had been the thing I turned to when life got me down, was no longer there for me. Guitar became something I hated.
Middle school is a time of exploration. My son went through so many hair styles, wardrobe choices, and activities in those few years! Football, soccer, band,, etc. When he got to high school, he got into both ROTC and FFA, and stayed with both for 4 years. Even as you enter adulthood, you will find you no longer like certain types of work, and want to move into something different. It's okay, and, it's how we grow.
All I ask is that if you quit, you do it for the right reasons, and, you try to keep it as a hobby. There's something very calming about playing music, it takes your mind away from everything else. Try to keep it in your life. Oh, and look around for other activities. Drama, debate, yearbook, sports, etc. It's good to be involved in something!
hope this helps!
Kim
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I'm assuming you're not pursuing it as a career, so I'm guessing this is a class you're taking as an elective or to boost your resume. You've already been in the group long enough to put it on your resume if you want. You don't need to be in it, so there's no reason to stay in it. It takes a lot of discipline. I know what it's like to practice when you're not feeling like it. I was in band through the end of high school and I know there are some pretty miserable points in the practicing schedule, even when you love it. Quit and don't burn yourself out. Try a different elective that doesn't require you to practice a skill so diligently, such as theatre. You might end up discovering a new interest. Part of the point of electives is that they expose you to subjects and interests that you might want to keep up with long-term. If band is a miserable class for you, take it as a lesson that this type of hobby isn't your thing and move on.
ANITA GRAHAM
1
Answer
Updated
ANITA’s Answer
My daughter decided to play violin when she was in the third grade. She continued to play through high school. In the 10th grade, she considered quitting violin in order to study dance instead. I said that I felt that she should continue to play and dance too. She continued to play violin. She is now 21 years old and is hired to play at weddings, memorials, and various events. She is so glad that she did not quit because she is able to get paid for doing what she loves.
If you take some time off from band to contemplate your decision and you miss it, then you can hopefully go back. If you don't miss it, then you can begin the journey of finding a new hobby.
I wish you the best!
If you take some time off from band to contemplate your decision and you miss it, then you can hopefully go back. If you don't miss it, then you can begin the journey of finding a new hobby.
I wish you the best!
Nathan Pratt
Network Security Analyst
3
Answers
Watauga, TX
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Good question Kieran. It sounds like you have already made up your mind reading your update. I would recommend following what you are passionate about and enjoy. I was not cut out for band in Middle School. I ended up getting involved in our school theater arts program and had a blast. My brother was in band and football until he graduated High School. There are several band groups such as orchestra, show band, Jazz band, marching band, etc.. I believe if you are passionate about playing music you will find your niche.
Caroline Miszczak
Marketing Associate
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
Hey,
It's ok to hate band. However, you have a realize that it does have some positive influence on your life. It teaches you commitment, challenges your mind in ways other hobbies can not, etc. Its hard to take part in something you don't find passion in, but what else are you going to do? If band isn't effecting you mentally, I would suggest you stick with it because it will teach you a very valuable lesson of commitment and also how to focus on the positives. I would do this until you find another hobby/ club to replace it with :) You never know if you will start liking it again! However, if band is putting you down outside of practice, and you find yourself not being motivating in other aspects of your life, I would definitely recommend to quit.
Good luck!
-Caroline
It's ok to hate band. However, you have a realize that it does have some positive influence on your life. It teaches you commitment, challenges your mind in ways other hobbies can not, etc. Its hard to take part in something you don't find passion in, but what else are you going to do? If band isn't effecting you mentally, I would suggest you stick with it because it will teach you a very valuable lesson of commitment and also how to focus on the positives. I would do this until you find another hobby/ club to replace it with :) You never know if you will start liking it again! However, if band is putting you down outside of practice, and you find yourself not being motivating in other aspects of your life, I would definitely recommend to quit.
Good luck!
-Caroline
Gina Ringer
National Account Manager
114
Answers
Wheaton, Illinois
Updated
Gina’s Answer
The purpose to try different organizations/clubs is to find your niche and what you're interested in. I don't think it's awful to quit, but I would replace it with another hobby or extracurricular. I think it's important to have a balance of school and outside activities-- it's great interaction.
Sanober Charania
Registered Nurse (RN)
73
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sanober’s Answer
Hi Kieran!
I'm sorry that you no longer feel passionate about band. I know it may feel like the end of the world if you don't continue to do band, but if you think about how much time you will free up to explore new passions, quitting now may be the better choice in the long run. You don't ever have to continue doing something you don't like. When faced with a decision like this where you either disappoint others (quit band), or disappoint yourself (stay in the band even though you hate it), never choose the latter. Trust your instinct!
Best of luck to you :)
Sanober
I'm sorry that you no longer feel passionate about band. I know it may feel like the end of the world if you don't continue to do band, but if you think about how much time you will free up to explore new passions, quitting now may be the better choice in the long run. You don't ever have to continue doing something you don't like. When faced with a decision like this where you either disappoint others (quit band), or disappoint yourself (stay in the band even though you hate it), never choose the latter. Trust your instinct!
Best of luck to you :)
Sanober