Many colleges like prospective students to have a well-rounded selection of skills, and playing in a high school band allows students to demonstrate an interest both in the arts and in extracurricular activities. This may stand band members in good stead when it comes to making college applications. According to the U.S. Department of Education, participation in subjects such as music is a valuable part of a student's education.
Studies have shown that participating in music has a positive effect on the academic performance of students, with the techniques and skills used in music allowing students to develop aptitude for particular subjects. Research based on U.S. Department of Education data and published in the study "Involvement in the Arts and Human Development: General Involvement and Intensive Involvement in Music and Theater Arts" has suggested that students involved in music significantly improve their performance in mathematics, for instance, by the end of high school.
Students who play in bands have to be motivated to attend regular rehearsals and to practice their instruments, and this dedication is likely to spill over into other aspects of their lives. According to the Council for Science and the Humanities, students who play music are often motivated to aim high throughout their school lives.
Not only do students in band class interact with potentially dozens of other students and thus have plentiful opportunities to make new friends, but in doing so, they develop social and group situation skills. Ultimately, students in a high school band have fun and may find themselves involved in new experiences; for example, a band might enter a regional competition or travel to play with other schools.