Im a sophmore that plays the French horn, I’ve done it since 6th grade, but since sophmore year started I’ve began to fall behind or lack in basic skills like just playing my scales or struggling with rhythms, I also developed a fear of playing infront of people and my own band directors which has caused me to mess up in my solos or auditions, The idea of quitting band has been on my head since the start of the school year and now that im going to my junior year the idea of really quitting is something big in my head, im a both a band and athlete student that will be taking all IB classes next year too, im just scared that the decision I make will be something I regret in the future, any suggestions?.
If you still enjoy band, continue. If not, I would say follow what you want, not what other people say.
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IMO, your ECs should make you happy and not cause stress. If you aren’t enjoying it, time to move on to something new that you may enjoy better.
FWIW, my daughter quit orchestra after sophomore year and it didn’t impact anything.
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Thank you!, I’ve dealt with heavy bullying within my program and quit my leadership role after conflict with people i never wanted to have, ever since then I’ve had anxiety issues about doing band and only continued onto it because I paid my fees and didn’t want to just waste money for no reason lol!, I didn’t quit 1st semester because my directors convinced me and pep talked me about this being a common stage a band player goes through, but the idea of doing it all 4 years stresses with nothing else isn’t something I really want.
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Just make sure you take that time and energy and put it into something else that will be rewarding in some way. Could be a new school activity. Could be a job. Could be a new hobby. Could be adding more to something you are already doing, such as the athletics you mentioned. And so on.
But there is no sense dumping that time and energy into something you don’t like and don’t find rewarding.
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Thank you a lot for the advice!, I want to start looking for a job and not have that worry of playing an instrument!, I appreciate the feedback:).
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If this instrument isn’t working for you, then do you enjoy the band that you’d want to switch to another?
If you don’t want to be in band, quite simple - don’t be.
Many colleges don’t care bout your ECs - and even those that do, ok, this didn’t work out. You’ll find another…or a job like you said.
Do what’s best for you.
Good luck.
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If it doesn’t positively energize you, you shouldn’t feel bad about dropping it.
My daughter is a year behind you at a rigorous school, has been playing her instrument for ten years and does many hours of orchestra and lessons outside of school as well as varsity sports in school. Worried that she would explode, we gently suggested that she consider dropping music. She told us firmly that it was her source of joy and positive energy and dropping it would have the opposite effect. In other words, no.
That is the opposite of where you are. I can’t find anything that says you love the French horn and am not clear what the downside of dropping it are from your perspective. Maybe say more?
Meanwhile, you’re about to jump into the deep end academically (and athletically? - cant tell). When thinking through how to manage your time, choose joy.
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Easy. Drop orchestra if you do not enjoy it. HS should be a time of exploration and change. Find a job or another activity you enjoy and where you can make a meaningful contribution.
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If you don’t enjoy playing your instrument, then it’s fine to stop band. If you actually like the instrument, maybe try some private lessons…that could be a game changer for you.
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Great! I have zero doubt that is a good decision, both for you right now, and also for future college applications (to the extent you were concerned about that).
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If you still enjoy playing French horn but don’t enjoy the school band, is there a youth orchestra/band you can join? It’s really not a big deal if you quit band now. If you feel like playing again later in your life, just pick it up.
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There is no problem in leaving band. Band is not a requirement to get into college. My kids went from sports to band to theater to music during high school. That is what high school is for. Spending time in band prevents that kind of exploration. (You may be getting pressure from the band director because not that many play the French horn, but this is your life.)
I also don’t think you need to replace it with anything unless you want to, including a job. You are taking IB classes and doing sports and that is enough. Don’t worry. Time to do what you actually want, and that can also mean down time.
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Quit it if you don’t want to do it and you’re not enjoying it any more! And I say that as a former band kid!
I played trumpet from 6th grade to freshman year of college and then dropped it. I played French Horn for a short time when my junior high band needed a horn player. I still have my trumpet and can play it any time I want to, although it’s been many years since I have, but I am sure I could knock out the scales and probably piece together the national anthem from memory. Band was a big part of my life in middle school and high school, but I didn’t want to be in the marching band in college. Did enough of that in high school. So in college I was in orchestra one semester, but in college marching band and pep band was where the real camaraderie and action was. I didn’t stick with it because I was done with that obligation to be at every game and I wanted to set my own schedule. I don’t have any regrets.
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There actually aren’t no downsides from me quitting band at all, infact due to my tight schedule band has taken up a lot of my free classes and it would benefit me a lot from taking it out!, My reasons to always stay were how much money, time and years I put down towards it and of course the friends I made along the way, but ever since I joined swim this school year I realized how happy it made me even as a rookie, I am infact jumping into the deep end for both academics and athletically since its something im rather joyous and proud of unlike band. Thank you for the feedback and pretty much pep talk!, I salute your daughter for the passion she has :)!, I hope the best for her in the upcoming school years she has.
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Swim is great. Good luck.
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Always nice to hear from another band kid!!, thank you for it, I thought I would do it all 4 years but its hard to keep passion and be content with it, I love my French horn as long as im not forced to play it lol!!, thank you!.
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Lol haha my head band director did infact let me know he really desperately needed his horn players which gave me lots of guilt but thank you :))!, A job is still a 50/50 but I’ll enjoy my highschool experience!
A Job. This!!! It’s one of the ECs that like every college loves to see. Great idea.
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Here is an idea since honestly, French Horn is cool.
Take some time over the weekend and attempt to write a song with the French Horn. Anything that comes into your head. See if you can develop something just “because “. Nothing special. Maybe just a few lines. Again, anything that just pops into your head.
If this is a chore for you and not creative at all. Drop French Horn. If it’s kinda fun but you are limited due to skill /technique.. Talk to your band leader 
…learning scales and such can be boring and repetitive. But creating something can be a whole different level. Just something to consider.