I know this doesn't have anything to do with your question but I'm glad your son decided to join the band! I started playing trumpet in 5th grade and haven't put it down since. I know being in band isn't necessarily the "cool" thing to do in high school but it's one of those things that sticks with you forever. I play in community bands with 80 year olds that can still play. I dont, however, play pick-up basketball or football with 80 year olds. I went to a small school so I could do as many extracurriculars as I wanted but if I had to go back and choose just one it would be band every time.
Band was a big part of my and hubby’s lives growing up and we met in Band at ISU. I haven’t played much since college, but hubby still participates in alumni pep band about once a year. The oldest found her “people” in band in HS, that is the group she identifies with the most. She is also a two sport athlete, but she will choose band over those anyday.