Embedded Files
We often deal with questions regarding scheduling issues every year. Below are several topics that you probably have questions or concerns about and how those things work themselves out in our program and school.
Lakeside's IB Program - As you are likely aware, LHS is home to Columbia County's International Baccalaureate Program. This program requires a few tricks to navigate as a band program member, but the IB staff are incredibly helpful and allow us to make band work for as many as 20 or more students each year. STUDENTS DO NOT HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE OR THE OTHER.
Sports - Fall sports in particular have potential conflicts with marching band, but no sport should be a deterrent from participation, especially during the school day. We usually have more than a few football players and cheerleaders in our band classes, and several members of fall sports like cross country also in marching band.
"Class schedule issues" - Our guidance counselors always work with us to make happen what we need to make happen. We have had students take classes like P.E., Latin, and more online. We believe the experience provided here is worth the effort.
Academic Course Load/AP Classes - Many students (or more often their parents) are worried about the time commitment of band paired with a rigorous academic schedule. As mentioned on our "Why Band?" page, the most crucial piece of information is that it is actually a statistically-tracked trend that marching band participants perform better academically during the season than outside of the season. Likewise, music students in general perform better than students not involved in music. We have lots of students who help each other with school work in the band room after school or collaborate for group projects, and we always work with our students who need extra help or attend outside tutoring. We know music is a cognitively beneficial activity, but we also find that our band family provides an extra support network to help our students have a successful high school career academically, socially, and emotionally.
Working a job - Most of our upperclassmen hold jobs throughout the school year. Employers who hire high school students know that they will have to work around student activity schedules, though the student employees are expected to communicate (typically two weeks in advance). We try to keep our band calendar updated 6 to 12 months in advance to allow students and families to plan accordingly while keeping their commitment to the program and the student's success.
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