<p>Guess I fail to see why this is an "either/or"question. It is certainly possible to take (and score 5’s) on 10 - 15 AP exams, be valedictorian and perform in multiple music ensembles on an All State level (or higher), including showing leadership by being concertmaster or first chair of an instrument…and have music be counted as a class for 4 years…I know multiple students who have done this. They basically gave up a study hall. All have done extremely well in college admissions. This is no different than performing superbly both in athletics and academically.</p>