There are around 200 students in band, and only 70 students on the varsity football team. Yet there is a student section at every game, themes every game day, and the games are announced throughout the school, but very few students know when there is a band concert.
Students have a much greater appreciation for sports and other athletic events than the musical events, such as concerts, at the high school.
“The sports [at LZHS] receive constant coverage, and it keeps them in everybody’s minds, while band is always expected to be there during half time,” Sheri Conover, assistant band director, said.
Band, orchestra, and choir have concerts and other events showcasing their talent throughout the year, yet not many students are talking about them or have knowledge of when these events take place. However, most students know when the next basketball or football game is.
“Overall in society, not just students, parents don’t hold as much esteem for arts,” Conover said. “They focus on sports because of potential college playing and there is a lot more money involved.”
Although high school athletes may dream about making it big, only 0.09% of high school football players make it to the pros, and only 2.0% make it in college, according to the Article Spotlight website.
As Conover mentioned, a big reason the sports industry ranks above the musical industry is money. The average pay for an NBA player is $5 million, according to http://freemoneyfinance.com, and the pay for a member of a symphony orchestra ranges between $22,000 and $143,000, according to http://musicianwages.com.
Money may play a large role, but the social aspect of sporting events, especially at the high school; making them more entertaining for students. For example, when students go to a game they can yell and cheer, rooting on our team, but when they go to an orchestra concert, they are supposed to stay quiet to be respectful to the musicians.
Not many students, other than the ones involved with other musical programs, go to these concerts to appreciate the hard work the band, orchestra, or choir members put in to perform at these concerts.
“The most likely students [to go to a band concert] are from choir or orchestra,” Conover said. “As well, siblings or really good friends of students in the band are most likely to come.”
The band’s concert season is from mid-October until June, according to Conover, and marching band practices every day during school and one night each week. There are a total of five different bands, which Conover is able to help out when needed. All band members are in marching band and get to perform at half time during the football games alongside color guard.
“A lot of people don’t realize how much work is put into it,” Conover said. “They think that the band is going to be there and it is going to be good.”
As society continues to focus on athletics and which team is better than the other, students need be taught and learn to have appreciation for music.