I think any band student in college would agree that the band experience is far greater than the high school experience. I say there’s only four ways, but I assure you there are many, many more positives in being in a college band than high school, but here are just a few key points.

1. Less Drama

In college, people mature a lot more. They’re usually forced to because mommy and daddy aren’t there to help you do everything. So, you mature and learn to take care of yourself. Now, there will be some drama, but far less than any in my high school experience. You may not all get along, but you all have one common goal, and that is to make the band great

2. People want to be there

In college band, you have to work to stay in the program. You aren’t just accepted in to the band because you claim to read music. You have to work hard to get into the program and then work even harder to stay there. In high school band, you’ll notice that a lot of people are only there because their friend is in it or something like that. Usually undedicated people. College bands are filled with determined people who want to be there.

3. More activities and trips

Most colleges with a band program have sororities or fraternities such as Tau Beta Sigma or Kappa Kappa Psi to enhance the college experience. Band trips usually consist of nice charter busses too, not the rinky-dink school busses with hard seats. You travel in style!

4. You are paid to have fun

SCHOLARSHIP! You are given money to do something you love! Whether you love marching in the heat or playing in a cool auditorium, you are paid to do it. Something you love and something you obviously thought was great enough to continue outside of high school you are given money to do.