Truth in academics!
UAB Band students rank extremely high academically, are regular Dean’s List recipients, and participate in the University Honors Programs across campus. Participants in the UAB Bands have a wide variety of major areas of study–our members major in sciences, business, nursing, computer science, engineering, and virtually all majors offered at UAB. In any college curriculum, there is time to be involved in any number of “change of pace” activities, without jeopardizing in the least your academic career or professional potential. There are simply too many doctors, engineers, pharmacists, CPA’s, nurses, teachers, and lawyers who are band alumni to believe that band prevents one from being a successful scholar. The bottom line is that success in college is simply a matter of how efficiently you use your time. This kind of discipline may be the most difficult thing about being a college student and a young adult.
Actually, at the college level, band is not very time consuming. No ensemble rehearses more than three times a week with each rehearsal lasting for not more than two hours. Yes, the Marching Blazers do rehearse on Saturday game days, and yes, we do take trips during the fall, but those things are a part of college life and things that you will not want to miss!
Typical college schedule: one might take fifteen or sixteen credits (hours) of course work each semester. This means that you are in class an average of three to four hours a day, Monday through Friday. Consequently, your schedule might include classes from 9:00 to Noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 8:30 to 12:30 on Tuesday and Thursday, plus your band time. That’s it! So, study habits, class attendance, and personal discipline in college are important and the keys to your success. There is plenty of time to attend class, study hard, make terrific grades, have a social life, and be in the band. Do not let anyone tell you differently!
The UAB Band program also offers tutoring sessions to any student who participates in band. We have very intelligent veteran members who set up these study sessions, and they are here to help when needed.