A friend told me about how Texas high schools have a big marching band scene and they sometimes do military style marching. I'm in the marching band here at my school in Cali. If I’m considering a path in the military, would joining the band or being in a leadership role in band be considered impressive or pertinent to military schools or recruiters?
Your friend is correct that in some regions, particularly in the South including Texas, high school marching bands often incorporate military-style drills into their performances. To answer your question, participating in a marching band can certainly be beneficial for individuals considering a career in the military. In particular, schools like West Point and The Naval Academy have marching bands, and your participation could highlight your interest and experience in this area.
Being in the marching band, especially in a leadership role, can help you develop and demonstrate qualities such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and attention to detail--all of which are highly valued in the military. For instance, band leaders are responsible for maintaining order, coordinating practices, planning performances, and resolving conflicts—these are leadership skills that military academies value.
However, do keep in mind that while involvement in marching band (especially carrying a leadership role) can contribute positively to your profile, military schools will still primarily be looking at your academic performance, physical fitness, and other qualities of character and leadership. It's important to maintain a balanced profile and not neglect these other areas.
Also, don't forget to include other military-focused extracurriculars as they can further underscore your interest and commitment to a military career path. These could be JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Sea Cadets, or similar organizations that expose you to military culture, structure, and values.
In conclusion, while band participation alone won't be the deciding factor for military recruitment or admission into military schools, it can certainly contribute positively to your application and experience.
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