How Does Music Compare to AP Classes?

[Keilexandra]

<p>

@2bornot2bivy

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.

Good for their school for allowing it. At my school–with stringent pre-AP prerequisite policies, additional math/science graduation requirements, and honors-level students NEVER taking study halls–it was impossible. Now that the school has switched to modified block scheduling, there is a mandatory no-exceptions study hall (same result).</p>

<p>Actually, there was a loophole: district orchestra met weekly at night instead of as a regular-period class. Our valedictorian played cello and was thus able to participate in All-State Orchestra without impact to academics. Most band members could theoretically do the same with marching band–except that marching band was more like an additional 15-hour weekly commitment.</p>

<p>Different schools are different. Given the other responses on this thread, I think I can reasonably say that many schools, not just mine, are unsupportive of the arts and force the OP into an either-or proposition.</p>