Can I major in Engineering and still handle playing in a band or orchestra?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and in fact, it is one of the easiest uncertainties to dispute! Our ensembles only meet 2 to 3 times per week and play about 2 concerts per semester. Even the Purdue “All-American” Marching Band with its Monday through Friday rehearsal schedule boasts a large number of engineering students. Not only is it beneficial to have a break away from your academics to find release in music with your friends; it will likely improve your time management skills.

Most students agree that participating in an ensemble like the “All-American” Marching Band, allows them to hone their own time management. Many even perform better academically in the fall when their schedule is most rigid!

Overall, Purdue Bands & Orchestras’ students have a higher GPA in almost every discipline than the average Purdue University undergraduate student body.

With over 1,200 students in our department, we are proud to report that about 42% are engineering majors and 83% are majoring in a STEM field.

We even have an Engineering Learning Community designed especially for freshman students in our department. At Purdue Bands & Orchestras, non-music majors flourish in performance, as well as academics.

For more information, reach out to our Manager of Recruitment & Student Success, Caitlin — caitlin@purdue.edu.