Marching Toward My Future: How Band Can Open Doors

Objective: Students will begin to understand how their middle school band experience can lay the foundation for future participation in high school and college marching bands, focusing on skill development, commitment, and early awareness of scholarships.

Why This Matters: Middle school is the perfect time to plant the seeds for future success. Helping students understand that the skills they build now — responsibility, teamwork, musicianship — are the same ones that will help them succeed in high school marching band and even earn scholarships for college participation. Introducing these ideas early helps students stay motivated and make smart choices as they grow.

Assignment: Marching Toward My Future: How Band Can Open Doors

Assignment Overview: Students will explore how their current participation in band connects to opportunities in high school and college. They will research one college marching band, watch a performance, and reflect on what skills they are already building that will help them in the future.

Instructions:

1. Learn: Review a short overview (provided by the teacher or drawn from the article "Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success") about how marching band continues into high school and college.
2. Watch: Watch a video of a college marching band performance (examples could be from the Rose Parade, Macy’s Parade, or a college football halftime show — teacher will provide links or choices).
3. Explore: Research one college marching band (with a partner or individually) and find:
   • The name of the band.
   • The school it belongs to.
   • One fun fact about the band (e.g., biggest show, special tradition, famous performance).
4. Reflect: In a short paragraph (5–7 sentences), answer:
   • What skills do I need to be part of a band like that?
   • What am I already doing in band now that will help me in high school and college band?
   • What is one goal I can set today that will help me keep improving?

Submission Requirements:

• Neat, handwritten or typed paragraph.
• Include the band’s name, school, and fun fact.
• Reflection must be written in complete sentences.

Rubric: Marching Toward My Future: How Band Can Open Doors

Total Points: 100

Grading Scale:

Mapping My Path: High School to College Marching Band

Objective: Students will understand the key differences between high school and college marching band participation, including the audition process, scholarship opportunities, and financial commitments, in order to better prepare for collegiate band membership.

Why This Matters: Many high school band students (and their parents) assume that participation in college marching band is a simple extension of high school band. Helping students understand the transition early can empower them to make strategic choices about auditions, scholarships, and preparation — aligning with their collegiate goals and maximizing future opportunities.

Assignment: Mapping My Path: High School to College Marching Band

Assignment Overview:
Students will create a personalized “Marching to College” action plan based on the key points discussed in the article, researching 2–3 college marching bands of their choice and outlining the audition, scholarship, and participation requirements.

Instructions:

1. Read: Review the article "Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success."
2. Research: Choose two to three colleges you are interested in. Find answers to the following for each:
   • Does the college require a marching band audition? If so, what are the requirements (music, marching, other skills)?
   • What scholarships are offered specifically for marching band students?
   • Is the band tied to the School of Music or the Athletic Department?
   • Does the band provide stipends or cover housing/meal costs for band camp?
   • What leadership opportunities are available that could increase scholarship amounts?
3. Analyze:
   • Compare your findings across the colleges.
   • Identify one key difference between high school and college band for each school you researched.
4. Plan:
   • Based on your findings, outline a basic preparation timeline for yourself (e.g., when to start audition prep, what skills to work on, when to apply for scholarships).
5. Reflect:
   • In 1–2 paragraphs, explain how what you learned changes your view of participating in college marching band.
   • What new steps will you take in high school to prepare for this opportunity?

Submission Requirements:

• Typed document, minimum one page.
• Include research links or citations for the colleges you selected.
• Clearly label sections: Research, Analysis, Plan, Reflection.

Rubric: Mapping My Path: High School to College Marching Band

Total Points: 100

Grading Scale:

Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success

Dear Band Families,

Here in middle school band, we’re building more than just scales and songs — we’re laying the foundation for some pretty incredible futures.

Right now, your student is learning focus, teamwork, discipline, creativity — and how to survive a clarinet reed emergency with style. These early lessons stick. And believe it or not, they’re the same skills that, a few years down the road, can open the doors to college scholarships, travel opportunities, and lifelong friendships through music.

If you’ve ever wondered where all this practice could lead, I want to share a great article:
"Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success."

Why give it a read?

• It paints a picture of what the high school and college band journey can look like.
• It explains how musical skills today can turn into scholarship dollars tomorrow.
• It reminds us that sticking with band isn’t just about music — it’s about building a future.

The article is live now at Accoladi.com. I think you’ll find it encouraging — and maybe even a little inspiring — to see what’s possible when students keep playing, practicing, and growing.

Thank you for supporting your young musician. Today it’s a concert at the school auditorium… tomorrow it could be a concert in a stadium.

With Appreciation,

______________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_______________________________________________________
[School Name]

Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success

Dear Band MVPs (a.k.a. Parents),

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the real heroes behind every halftime show: You! — the ones who’ve become expert roadies, snack distributors, uniform wranglers, and, occasionally, emotional support crews after a tough rehearsal.

You’ve cheered from the bleachers, carried the cooler, zipped the uniform bag, and somehow found a way to smile through loading an entire percussion section into a minivan. And while we’re still marching strong here, many of our students are about to trade in Friday night lights for stadiums a little bigger — and scholarships a little sweeter.

College marching band isn’t just more music; it’s more everything: auditions, leadership roles, scholarships, travel, and yes — even more uniform changes. To help decode what’s ahead, I’m sharing a great article called: "Beyond the Sidelines: Marching Band, College Auditions, Scholarships, and Success.”

Why should you read it?

• Get the inside scoop on the differences between high school and college band life.
• Understand how auditions and scholarship opportunities really work.
• Learn what you (yes, you!) can do to help your child transition smoothly — and snag those scholarship dollars.

It's full of helpful insights, a few friendly reality checks, and a lot of encouragement for students and parents gearing up for what’s next.

You can find it right now at Accoladi.com — and trust me, it’s worth the read. Think of it as your pre-game prep for the next big win: helping your child march confidently into their future.

Thank you for being the secret sauce behind every successful marching band member — and for showing up with folding chairs and spirit wear no matter how far the bus ride.

Giving You a Standing Ovation,

______________________________________________________
[Director’s Name and Position]

_______________________________________________________
[School Name]