Preparatory Assignment #1

“Does being in the Band or Marching band aid in achieving better grades in High School Students?”. My question stints from the statement that “Band kids are smarter”, than average students. All through high school my band director constantly bragged how our Grade averages were higher than the schools, and how the band typically produced the valedictorian or salutatorian every year coe graduation. The idea seems cool, but it does peak my interest as to how much truth there is behind this idea, as someone who plays multiple instruments I can understand there are alot of moving parts in being in band. Though are they in any way correlated to Grading? Even if not directly to grading, study habits? I believe this is an important question because it could be somewhat of a breakthrough and revolutionize academics. It can explain if the requirement for some type of performing arts class really is benefiting students when it comes to learning. To explore my topic I plan on interviewing a few of the band members still at my old school, and researching the numbers for Grading via a national source to get a broader sense or academics and instruments across states/counties. Understanding the principles set when you join something like band or marching band are the driving forces to the claim because you have to juggle the practices and homework, the same way an athlete does. The difference is when in music you work your memory and mind by playing scales and remembering “sets”, the same way dancers remember their routines marching band members must remember all the moving parts to a eight or nine minute show. Not including any other music they play in class or for stand tunes at football games, at this point the only real thing i'm missing from my research is the compilation of my information. I'm sure I know what direction I am going in and Im pretty passionate about finding the answer as it affects me having been a member of the marching band and wind ensemble, the highest honored band class.