This is a test designed to answer that question that may be haunting you (or not). Basically, this is for anyone involved in a band/Wind Ensemble/etc. who finds music running their lives. It's even for those band people who are considered "band nerds" by friends and/or enemies. :) Just check off any statements that apply to you and count up the number of checks. Then refer to the appropriate category below. Enjoy it.


I am an active member of more than two bands.

I carry music around wherever I go - it's a comfort to me.

I volunteer to help out with the band's organization (i.e. being a member of the committee, doing extra work...)

Music teachers actually make sense to me.

I've heard nearly every band joke in the book, including all of the ones making fun of my own kind.

I am good at both band and math (they're linked, y'know).

When I play my instrument, I move with the music (i.e. swaying, leaning forward, bobbing my head..)

I enjoy playing in multiple bands.

I sometimes find myself playing in more than 4 concerts within one week.

I admit that I'm probably a band nerd.

Other people constantly tell me that I'm a band nerd.

I consider it a compliment when people tell me I'm a band nerd.

I've found mailing lists and/or websites dedicated to band nerds or other obsessed musicians.

I've actually joined one of these mailing lists.

I can recite the history of my band instrument.

I play more than one band instrument.

I spend my spare time practicing on my instrument instead of playing sports or the likes.

My instrument is truly my best friend.

I give all of my instruments appropriate names ("Piece of Crap" does not count, unless it's an alto clarinet).

I have nicknames for general types of instruments, i.e. Altoid (alto) Clarinet or Bobo (oboe)

I go to other people's band concerts, not just my own.

I can name almost all, if not all, instruments in a common band.

I can also tell you which instruments are soprano, alto, tenor, or bass.

I really do enjoy my music, no matter what people say.

I go to band camps or other music-related programs during the summer.

I don't necessarily understand why I love music so much - I just do.

I've already taken the Music Is Our Lives test, and got a sadly high score.

I recognize anything I've ever played in a band automatically.

I've heard something on the radio that I've played in a band before, and was outraged to find out how horrible their version is.

I would hurt anyone who completely replaces a bass section with synthesizers.

I've had a solo in my band career. I mean a REAL solo, as in ME being the only person playing at all.

I've learned quite a few little "tricks" with my instrument.

I hang around the band room quite a lot.

I wish I could have more solos.

I could see myself playing in a band for many, many more years.

Most of my friends are in a band of some sort.

I've met most of my friends by being in a band of some sort.

I remember every moment of the day I got my first musical instrument.

I have never had the urge to damage an instrument (unless it's an alto clarinet).

People think I'm musically gifted.

I am an active member of a band in which I am one of the youngest people.

More than one band in which I am one of the youngest people.

I was asked to be in a pit orchestra for a musical or other type of drama.

I want to have a career involving a band or the likes.

I know how to properly conduct for a band, and have done it before.

I am an official conductor, and have not been shot yet (just kidding!).

I am in a marching band of some sort.

I am in a band that requires an audition (shut up, Gaelynn).

I take great pride in my instrument(s), so much so that people think it's odd.

I frown upon anyone who does not respect musicians at all.

I have so many music teachers that it's almost funny! Ha, ha, ha.

I own more than one instrument (rental or a loan does not count).

I have written a piece for a band to play, even if they didn't play it.

Subdivision is my friend.

There are many nights in which I have dreams about band, or music in general.

I have actually had a nightmare involving a band I am a member of.

I am the webmaster/webmistress of a site dedicated to one of my bands.

My friends and I have a lot of inside jokes involving band or music in general.

I have more than one stuffed folder of music currently in use.

I give instrumental lessons in my spare time, for money or for free.

My whole life seems to be dedicated to my band(s).

I consider myself very professional when it comes to playing in a band.


0-9: Um, no. You're definitely not a band nerd. Why did you even bother taking this test if you checked off so few statements? Well, anyway, if somebody ever calls you a band nerd, that person just has problems because there is no way that you are a band nerd. Are you even IN a band?? Don't even go there.

10-14: You're really not a band nerd either, though you did check off a considerable number of statements. You obviously enjoy being in a band enough, but that's perfectly normal. A band nerd has to be completely obsessed, and you don't fit that category. Keep going with the music, though, because it is a life-long hobby that you will continue to enjoy. Oh my god, I'm starting to sound like *gasp* Mr. C!!

15-29: There's a chance that you're slightly nerdy when it comes to bands. Then again, you could be overall musically obsessed, as you may want to check out in the Music Is Our Lives quiz I have...this is just a sub-test of that. Anyway, you definitely love your band and will stick with it (hint, hint) for many more years into the future. You're in a band/bands for the enjoyment of it, not just for credit or anything of the likes. You seem to be fairly serious about continuing on.

30-39: You're teetering on the fine line between being a band nerd and not. You are obviously quite obsessed with music in general, and fit into a fairly small group here. Band nerds are just a little more over-the-edge (DIAGRAM!!!) than you are, but consider it a good thing to not be in the upper category. It means you have a life outside of music, and that is a good thing. Chances are that you're fairly diversified with hobbies, but still consider music to be your favourite.

40-60: Band nerd! Band nerd! Band nerd! Congratulations, you're one of us. :) Still, make sure that you don't dedicate your entire life to music, because there may be a time when you'll need a backup plan...and won't have it because you never bothered with anything else. Still, being a band nerd is a wonderful thing. Just remember that music is our lives, and we can't stop it. Hee, hee! Rock on.

61-62: CRIKEY! You are an over-the-top band nerd, even more so than I am. Your friends/family/enemies weren't crazy when they called you a band nerd, because it is definitely true. I think you seriously need some help here. Take my advice for once.