Band and orchestra can go hand in hand as they share a classroom, the same love of music, and the comprehension of music along with the use of instruments. Even with these similarities, the differences are overwhelming. With completely different instruments and compositions, communities, and teachers, how do they compare? 

Lily Meek, 12, is in both band and orchestra, and they were able to answer some questions when it came to the comparison from a first person perspective. 

“During marching band season, it’s definitely more intensive, but I think concert band and orchestra are basically equal when it comes to competitions, concerts, and work,” Meek said.

When it comes to the content and work, they have to take more on during band marching season due to the importance of the competition. Outside of that, everything else is relatively similar.

Many students find community in places like band and orchestra, but Meek has a hard time deciding which one is their favorite.

“I probably prefer the band communities because a lot of them are more extroverted and louder, and it’s also a more giant community because we have marching band together while orchestra is always split into 3 hours, so it’s less joined,” Meek said. 

Due to the combined band, it’s easier for Meek to find a community there rather than in one of the three separate orchestra classes.

Despite all of this, music is at the center. The pieces are what bring them together and, when looking at both classes and how they are different, it’s easy to wonder what pieces they enjoy the most.

“I really liked our marching band show. It was really good, and then the Scottish piece at our most recent [Dec. 10] orchestra concert are my favorites,” Meek said.

With both the differences and similarities, Meek finds being able to participate in both band and orchestra enjoyable for a handful of reasons and finds it a very important part of their high school experience.