That is a real quandary! It’s the same in our school – the very academic kids are in band. However, the two or three kids who have more ap/hons than her dropped music/art/electives after middle school and concentrated on racking up all hons/APs. My daughter has actually dropped band this year (she’s a junior) to make way for APES (she took Physics at the CC this summer so that’s the only other science AP option). It’s really a shame because she’s an accomplished bassoonist and saxophonist. In addition to the musical education, t those first two years of being in music was her social “cushion” in the otherwise socially intimidating context of high school as a fresh/soph. I don’t think she’d have made it through those two years of school without it. So yes, a high price to pay for her if she doesn’t get “most rigorous” but ultimately a necessary one. This year, she’s confident enough socially not to “need” to be affiliated to the band group…the loss of a dedicated music period is still a shame though.