 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-09-04 22:46
In general, is it necessary to be a music major at the college in order to try out for the orchestra? I 'm thinking about switching colleges and will be switching in as a math major, but would like to play music as well. I've sent the music department emails, however haven't had any responses (which I deem VERY unprofessional for a university and they've already started out on a bad foot with me). I will definitely be a music minor.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: ClarinetVibe
Date: 2003-09-05 02:16
It depends n the university or college. Some schools have a "University" band or orchestra that is open to all students and faculty. My undergrad only allowed school of music students in them, but now at NYU they have a Unviversity Band and Orchestra open to all. You are probably better off contacting the student affairs or student activities office rather than the music dept. if they arent giving you any answers. Hope this helps.
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Author: EEBaum
Date: 2003-09-05 03:39
I wouldn't get too fussy about a lack of email from a university. They're not all computer people, mind you, and the websites and possibly addresses are often out of date. You're more likely to get a response if you write a letter, call, or go in person.
At my university, all ensembles are open to any student who wishes to try out. It is uncommon for non-majors to get into the "top" ensembles, simply because of the competition and skill level, but not exceedingly rare.
-Alex
www.mostlydifferent.com
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Author: William
Date: 2003-09-05 14:43
It is often a requirement that music majors belong to one of the schools performing organizations. So, in a larger music school with only "so many" chairs available, it is often necessary to limit membership to music school students only in the top ensemble offerings, expecially in the orchestral wind and percussion sections. However, most colleges and univeristies have other performance group opportunities available for the non-music major and most require a preliminary audition. I am certain that if a "non-music major" clarinetist sounds like Harold Wright, they would "find room" in the top orchestra.
Hmmmm......, just wondering (it's being a slow morning) how many--if any--principal clarinetists currently playing were not college clarinet majors, or perhaps never attended any college or university. (time for more coffee)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-09-05 16:44
Did Stanley Drucker attend a college university and get a degree? I read that he was a principle at age 16 and was co-principle until the principle switched orchestras at which time he took over the job. I don't remember reading anything about getting a degree.
On the flipside, look at young Julian Bliss who has come so far, and has a degree (sort of). It's an honorary degree which won't be issued to him until he graduates HS. For a 13 year old to come so far is beyond MY immediate comprehension. I guess that's what determination and good teachers can do for a person.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2003-09-05 21:23
My college's orchestra is open to music majors and non-majors (indeed, if it were only music majors it would be ridiculously small). The quality is quite good for a very small school without a large music program. The wind ensemble, however, consists mostly of non-majors (the majors stick to the orchestra) and suffers for it.
I would argue that e-mail has indeed become almost the standard mode of communication for colleges. All of my professors use e-mail regularly and most also use Blackboard, which gives assignment information and readings. You have to make sure that you e-mailed just the right person, though, because if you got the wrong person they probably wouldn't respond.
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Author: 'nifer
Date: 2003-09-05 21:50
Hi! I went to a big ten school, and all of the ensembles (audition ensembles that is) were open to anyone who would audition and get in. But, you need to remember the fact that there are rarely clarinet openings at semester (and there are usually few even in the fall, as most orchestras take 2, maybe 3 clarinets and an aux clarinettist), and often the top orchestra spots are filled by upperclassmen or graduate music majors. But, there were lots of non-music majors in the string sections (usu. near the back of their respective sections, but it comes down to the openings). Just call the school to see, but the non-audition groups are usually available and open to everyone (even if the class says it is full, call the conductor and ask if there is an opening for you to play, you may not get credit, but you can play in a group.
Good Luck!!
'nifer
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Author: William
Date: 2003-09-05 22:00
Point of Order!!! Shouldn't it now be referred to as the Big 11, with the addition of Penn State, that is, in its FB conference?????
(I know, I know--TRADITION)
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Author: supernova_khr
Date: 2003-09-05 22:32
I played clarinet in wind ensemble and pep band in college, and I wasn't a music major. My brother played in band, and he wasn't a music major either. I was at one of the University of California campuses, and my brother was at an Ivy League school. The large state university where I live now has lots of non music majors in its assorted bands/orchestras/ensembles. The small university where my friend teaches music has very few music majors, so they take nearly anyone who wants to be in band or orchestra.
As far as sending blind e-mails...if you've done it in the last few weeks, many universities were hit by the SOBIG virus, and it may be simply your e-mails were lost. You should try contacting the director of the band/orchestra you want to audition for to find out the status at your school of interest...not some generic department office account.
(and to William...Go PSU! My old clarinet teacher was director of the Blue Band for many years. However, Joe Pat has lasted longer than anybody there. He may be 90 before he retires.)
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2003-09-06 01:12
Hi,
Concerning the email to a professor. I answer all email that get to me from perspective students but I've got to tell you, the first week or two of class is madness. You have students all over the place, late registrations, book problems, room problems, technology problems, need I say more.
So expecting an immediate reply, assuming that the email did go to the right professor, might be optimistic. Get on the horn, call the department, leave a voice mail, make an office appointmnt, get a correct email address, or send a letter (I have a son that works for the USPS so he is happy for the work). Balance persistence with diplomacy and you will get your answer quickly.
HRL
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Author: AJDar
Date: 2003-09-08 16:30
This was a very long time ago, but I recall auditioning for a spot in the concert band at the U of Minn (Duluth) campus. Not only was I not a music major, I wasn't even a student there. However, the U offered reciprocity with the private college I attended a mile away.
P.S. I got 2nd chair as an incoming freshmen and lived in mortal fear all year of the 1st chair getting sick
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