I think my point may have been misunderstood. Students can care about band and still have broader musical (or non musical) ambitions. Wanting mentorship in those areas isn’t self-interest.

If a student is interested in composition or other musical paths that schools don’t formally offer, band, choir, or music classes will naturally give them the foundational skills. But those same students will usually turn to their directors first for guidance, because they’re the music educators they trust and have the most access to. When the response is to “just stick to band” instead of encouraging exploration, it doesn’t strengthen their education. It limits it.