Academic Planning & the college-bound music student

College may still be over four years away, but it is a very important consideration when planning your high school career. It may seem like there is “no room” for band, colorguard, or orchestra in your schedule if you want to go to college, when in fact, participation in music enhances your college application. The Buchanan Instrumental Music Program is made up of some of the best and brightest students on campus and we have a place for you!

Knowing which courses to take and how to make it all work can be very confusing. We hope this document will show you how you can take an academically challenging schedule and still make time for music and other electives. Let’s start with the basics: 

BHS Graduation Requirements &
University of California (UC)/ California State University (CSU)
Requirements for Admission

Academic Breadth

BHS: 2 Years of Foreign Language, Visual and Performing Art, and/CTE Course/Focus on College/Career Course. - OR - 1 year of the above PLUS additional year of Math, Science, or 1 Year English or Math Intervention.

CSU/UC: 2 Years of Foreign Language (3 Recommended) and 1 Year of Visual and Performing Arts.

Electives

Buchanan: Any additional courses to complete the 230 credit requirement to graduate. Usually satisfied with foreign language and performing arts courses.

CSU/UC: One year (two semesters) in addition to those required above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the E requirement or two years of another language).

Advanced Placement and Honors Courses

Buchanan offers Honors and Advanced Placement courses in nearly every subject (including Music Theory!) and at nearly every level. You will find the challenge you are looking for. Students will often take several AP courses during their time at Buchanan giving them the ability to earn college credit each spring during AP exams. Buchanan is filled with teachers who are passionate about the subject matter and inspire students to achieve academically. 

Summer School

While not required, summer school is offered to those with impacted schedules (i.e. those who do band, orchestra, and colorguard) freeing up time in their regular fall and spring schedules for elective courses. It’s recommended that incoming band and orchestra students take Health prior to their freshman year and World History prior to their sophomore year. This will allow music and other elective courses to fit more comfortably into your high school schedule.

World Language

Buchanan offers Spanish, French, German, Hmong, & Chinese. We highly recommend that you take Spanish. Other world languages offer a limited number of sections each semester and can make your schedule less flexible later on in high school.

The CUSD Course Description Catalog can be found here.

Now how do I fit it all in? Click the link below because we have the answers!