In band it was always okay to be a nerd and make good grades. In fact it was pretty much expected.
When I was in high school, the jocks made fun of any of "their own" that actually cared about school and worked to make good grades. Observing the HS-aged kids of many of my friends, that doesn't seem to be the case-- as much-- as it used to be. But it's still there at least somewhat.
So I'm glad my daughter loves band so much, and I hope my son wants to do it, and enjoys it, too. I want them to be around peers that raise them up and support them in their academic endeavors.