As university professor and parent of a rising senior who plays multiple instruments and will not major in music, there are numerous ways that your daughter’s musical and marching ability can be translated into merit aid. It will take a bit of research. Many LACs and mid- major universities. offer talent scholarships (500-2500) and book awards for non-music majors to participate in the marching band. Scholarships and stipends are also available for the pep band. As you and your daughter begin to prepare her college list, you may want to target several colleges that provide these options. Make sure to investigate the time commitment. If she is going to be a STEM, Education, or nursing major 15 plus hours per week may be too much. Ten hours or less would be reasonable.
As you know, marching band is a commitment-practices, games, and depending on the school, competitions. There is a reason the fittest kids in the school in the Fall are the band members. This commitment translates very well to colleges where applications are reviewed by a committee or even one person. It translates well whether listed in the ECs or the subject of an essay. Marching band shows commitment, ability to multitask ( play music, march, and carry an instrument that weighs half as much as you do for 3 quarters and halftime) and passion. Many schools love marching band members. STEM departments love musicians. In departments where scholarships are given to freshman, other stats being equal, it is often the band member who receives the award.
Finally, there may be local and state scholarships for four-year band members. Many of these do not require that your declared major. be music. They may ask if you plan to continue with music. There are many ways to do that without majoring in the field. Check with her school’s band director as well as the State Music Association.
Your daughter sounds incredibly talented. Much success as you explore all the merit available to her because of her passion for music.
P.S. In Ohio, the most coveted honor in the state, dotting the i at halftime at an OSU game, is reserved for tuba/sousaphone players.