If you are in 9th grade then you need to prepare yourself for college. What college do you want to go to? If you want to be a Marching Southerner, then I'm assuming it's Jacksonville State University.

So now you do the following:
1. Find out what the entrance/audition requirements are.
http://www.jsu.edu/admissions/index.html
I couldn't find any information on the audition process but I'm sure there is one to get into the music school. Usually, you have to prepare certain pieces to demonstrate your knowledge of your instrument, sight reading and piano skills. (this is what my audition was)
The audition information for the Marching Southerners can be found here:
http://www.marchingsoutherners.org/about/
2. Look at the degree program for Music Education instrumental emphasis:
http://www.jsu.edu/depart/undergraduate/catalog/pdf/2007-09/arts_sciences.pdf#page=72
You will that your first year will be a lot of music theory, lessons, performances with ensembles, etc..
That's 4 to 5 years of your life in a nutshell.

Knowing what is expected of you at this music school, you need to prepare, prepare, prepare!
1. In High School volunteer/audition for any available job related to music. Try to get a TA (teachers assistant) job with the Band teacher, help setup gear, etc.. Basically, get as much experience as you can.
2. Join the choir. If you want to be a Band Director one day, there is a good chance you will have to conduct a choir in your pursuit.
3. Join theater. A great tool to help you with performing.
3. Learn the piano. It is an essential tool when becoming a music educator. I had to take a piano proficiency exam before I could exit my degree program.
4. Learn music theory. This will get you a leg up for some of those first year courses.
5. Find and go to any summer camps or weekend camps that you can go to. The extra experience will be priceless.
6. If you want to be a Marching Southerner, look into the Jacksonville State music prep program. http://music.jsu.edu/prepprogram/
7. Network and let your intentions known to anyone that could possibly help you achieve your goals of being a Marching Southerner and ultimately a Band Director.
7. If you love to write music, ask your music teacher of there are any young composers classes or competitions.
8. Take lessons and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

That's my two cents. I hope it helps and Good luck in your pursuit. Just keep in mind that if you thought it was a lot of work in HS, then it will be 10 times harder in college. Because everyone at the music school has the same passion for music as you and they will all be pretty good. So it's a good thing that your trying to get a leg up on the competition, sort of speak.

Good luck
Source(s):
I have BA in music form the University of Northern Colorado
http://music.jsu.edu/degrees.html


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