I took a year break from music and I want to start again. I use to be in band, but at the school I’m going to next year they have both band and orchestra. I use to play percussion in band but i ca read sheet music fine from guitar and piano. If I were to join orchestra I would play cello. What would a college like to see more band or orchestra. Especially top 25 schools.
They only care about what you care about. There is no inherent difference between marching band and concert band or marching band and orchestra or whatever. If you can become more accomplished in one, then that’s better, sure. But showing your passion for something is more important than chasing what that specific adcom “likes” better.
If you have experience in band, I’d stick with it because it shows dedication an you’ll already have a leg up. Also, I’m sure that someone will disagree with this, but in my experience band instruments are more versatile so there will be more opportunities for you to expand your interest. Really though, just choose whatever you want to do more and you’ll be better at it.
Whoa! You mean you hadn’t heard? Band of course!
Being in Orchestra is a serious negative. Brass and woodwind instruments are most sought after – especially by the Ivies. It’s also been rumored that the more hard core tech unis like Caltech, Carnegie Mellon and Georgia Tech are trying to seriously recruit percussion players.
Just having some fun with you. Like the others have said, it’s negligible either way.
Which one do you enjoy the most?
Which one are you the most accomplished in?
Orchestra, because they obviously want a performance of Le Sacre du Printemps on their campuses.
They most love students who ask them how high they should jump, permissions to go to the bathroom, play the flute, etc.