“Why band?” If you ask most current band students, they will probably tell you they couldn't imagine what high school would have been like without having been in band. High school band is more than just playing your instrument, it's more than a class, and it's more than a big group of friends. It's an opportunity to be a valuable part of an organization that is committed to showcasing incredible musical talent, serving as musical representatives of Century High School and doing all this while having a great time with your closest friends. Not to mention, band teaches you valuable personal skills like self-discipline and time management in a way that almost no other high school course can. It's a great learning experience that just happens to be a lot of FUN as well!
"Can I be involved in sports and band?" Absolutely! We have students in a number of sports, clubs, and activities each year. Sometimes we have to work out schedules, but it can be done. Band students are given the entire performing schedule at the beginning of the year so they know when our activities are planned. We work very hard with our coaches and the school district’s athletic director to ensure that you are not pressured to choose between sports or music. In fact, some of the coaches are the band’s biggest supporters! While there may be a misperception that you can’t be in both, over 85% of our students are involved in some sport, club, or other activity outside of band – football, basketball, swimming, skating, soccer, track, volleyball, speech, knowledge masters, etc. For more information, see the section entitled Attendance at Concerts in the handbook.
"With so many required subjects, will I be able to fit band into my schedule?" Yes. Century High School is on an optional eight period day which allows our students to fit in the most class choices. The school district also has an outstanding early bird and summer program which if utilized will create even more room in your schedule. You can fit band in if you want to!
"High school is hard and band takes so much time. Will I have time to study?" The over 150 students currently in our program prove that time is available. Many students in band are at the top of their class! Band members learn to manage their time and typically score higher than non-band students on standardized tests. Band students on the whole make better grades than non-band students – it’s a fact! Our program is designed with your best interests in mind. You can balance music with academics if you choose to manage your time appropriately.
“Will the work be too hard for me?” NO! Everyone starts from scratch, and like anything else, with hard work and practice you will get it. That’s exactly why you need to be in band in the first place. Band helps you develop a good work ethic. Anything – sports, a job, etc. – takes work to be good. There is nothing wrong with work!
"I'm tired of band - should I quit?" After all the years you have invested, you are just getting to the point where you are good enough to really enjoy band. Don't drop out now when you're on the verge of getting the most out of it and enjoying it to the fullest! At the very least, fully commit for one year.