Marching Band Scholarships for College

I'm a high school junior and part of the marching band. I heard there are scholarships for college students who continue with marching band. What should I know about applying for these scholarships, and how competitive are they?

Marching band scholarships vary widely in terms of their availability and competitiveness. Some colleges and universities, especially those with large and well-known marching bands, do offer scholarships for members, though the specifics can depend on the school. Typically, these are not full-tuition scholarships, but they can still provide significant financial assistance. When you're searching for schools, check whether they offer marching band scholarships, and if so, what the requirements are. This can usually be found on their bands' websites or the financial aid section of the school's website.

In terms of applying, the process will usually involve auditioning for the band director. This could require a solo piece, a sight-reading segment, and/or showing marching proficiency. You might need to submit a video audition, especially if the school is far away. Auditions typically take place before you enroll, so you'll need to plan ahead.

The competitiveness of these scholarships varies. If the school has a renowned band program, like those at Big Ten universities, expect more competition. Smaller schools may have fewer applicants, but also fewer scholarships available.

Finally, don't limit your scholarship search to just colleges. National and local organizations often offer music-related scholarships which might include marching band. For example, the John Philip Sousa Foundation has a scholarship for high school band students. Check out scholarship databases like Fastweb and Appily to find opportunities that match your profile.

In an ideal world, start to prepare for your auditions early and research application deadlines to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities. Good luck in your scholarship search!