Marching band scholarships for college-bound students?

I'm in my high school's marching band and thinking about continuing in college. Are there scholarships for marching band members? How competitive are these, and how can I find schools that offer them?

Yes, marching band scholarships are available for students planning on pursuing band in college. These are usually offered by school marching band programs themselves, and sometimes through outside organizations that support the arts or music education.

The competitiveness of these scholarships varies by school and scholarship organization. Some scholarships may be awarded based on merit, where your proficiency with your instrument and perhaps also leadership or versatility (ability to play multiple instruments) matter. Other scholarships might have a need-based component as well, where your financial situation may be taken into account.

Finding schools that offer these scholarships usually involves a bit of research on your end. Start by looking at college websites and specifically their band department or music school pages. Many schools have extensive information about scholarships on their site, and if not, don't hesitate to reach out to the band director or admissions office for more information.

Another avenue to explore is state or regional musical organizations and societies— they often have funds available for aspiring musicians. This could be particularly relevant if you're deeply involved in your state or regional band scene.

Finally, a resource like Appily can help you in searching for scholarships based on your specific circumstances and interests, including marching band. Just remember to start your search early and apply to many scholarships to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid. Keep practicing and best of luck!