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 HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 02:22

Hello I am new to this Posting thing...my name is Krista and I am just out of High school from the Ohio area...I play the Bb Clarinet and I really want to go into music but I am not sure if I am good enough or where to go with it...I love to play and i was a soloist in high school...my band played songs like Light Cavalry, Overture 1812, Procession Of The Nobles, Bolero, and many more...I also atended Solo and Ensemble for 5 years and never recieved anything lower then a 2, the scoring is 1-5, 1 best, 5 worst, 3 average...I was moved into the "varsity" band also known as Symphonic as a freshman and I also played the alto sax in the Jazz and Baritone in marching...I would also like to know any information that could help me like reeds, schools, lessons I might need, and anything else...please help me...any opinions are helpfull...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: ohsuzan 
Date:   2004-06-28 02:49

Hello, Krista,


I am an Ohioan, too. If you have already graduated from high school, what plans do you have for this Fall? Are you going to be able to go to college, or are you going to work and go to community college, or what?

Did you ever express your interest in a musical career to your band director or guidance counsellor or perhaps your pastor or youth director at church? What did they say? Or are you in a situation where your options have been pretty limited up until now, for whatever reason (like, financial, or location, etc.)?

Tell us some more about yourself.

Susan

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 03:04

well I mentioned it to my band director whom you might be familiar with (Mr. Edenfield) it was a long time ago when i was a freshman i think and he seemed to think i needed to get lessons on a piano to make it easier or else on the clarinet. i begged and begged for some type of lesson but i was never able to get it($problems). I have improved myself with the help of my teachers throughtout the years and my graduating class of music seniors was small as we were leaving(10) and preparing our last few weeks Mr. Edenfield pointed out numerous times that any of us could go into music. I am currently living in Was. State moved to be with family we plan to move back to ohio in about 2 years...i was thinking about looking into music here but if i did here and wanted to go back then what would happen...or should i just wait...or should i just not go to collodge and try to do it without more schooling...i have been on the clarinet for 7 years alto sax for about 3 or 4...im just lost and dont know what to do and it is mainly because of my location and the first impression that i would change my mind about music (band director thought i would change my mind because most do even after they start it as there major) my main problem right now is evrything...im lost... :( but i know as i have since i was a freshman or younger i want to go into music somehow...i just hope i can and i am good enough...any help is good...Thank you

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: ohsuzan 
Date:   2004-06-28 03:37

<<i begged and begged for some type of lesson but i was never able to get it($problems). >>

OK, well, that was the story of my life, when I was your age. I even had the band director on my side, who went to my parents and TOLD them to get me lessons, and they blew him off, too.

It sounds like whatever you do, you are going to have to take charge of your life, starting NOW. Nobody -- and I do mean N_O_B_O_D_Y -- can stop you from doing what you want to do. But nobody is going to do it for you, either.

So, you are taking the first step, and asking for advice. My first advice to you is to get yourself in touch, face to face, with a community college counsellor, and explain the whole situation to him or her, and see what advice they give you. Would it be possible for you to do that tomorrow?

Definitely, do something NOW. These two years matter, even if you do end up back in Ohio eventually. Look at it this way -- the two years are going to pass by, whether you do anything or not. But if you take some steps NOW to get yourself headed in the direction you want to go, in two years, you will be two years closer to your goal. If you don't do anything, then in two years, you will still be wondering if you could do it, and you won't be any closer to making it real.

Do it!

Susan

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 03:55

the band director told my parents to get me lessons too...i plan to look into it...i wasnt sure wether to audition something like this towns band/orchestra/symphony or what...what is a community college(i know that mush sound horriable for me not to know) and how do i get ahold of there counsellor??? i could try adn do it tomorrow i can call them up and set up an apointment or something...who would i call...like was. state university...or one of these smaller thingys...i really want to do it!!! if you dont mind me asking what do you do now...are you in music...how hard was it and how did it go...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Bass1193 
Date:   2004-06-28 03:57

Hola!
I know this is way off topic, but... I marched Bari my sophomore year in high school, and that's a BEAR to march! if you can survive that, then you'll do great getting college all planned out. I'm still a youngster myself, so I'd be a fool to give you advice. Best of luck, and be strong!!
Cheers!
Sean

p.s. I'm a youngster yet, and I hope what I'm saying is right, but if it's not then give me a shout so that I may stand corrected!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:03

Community college is "college" for those who have little money, and didn't perform well enough in high school in any one particular field to get that dream full ride. Usually cheap, but also usually of lower quality education. On the list of things to do after high school besides going and getting a minimum wage job at a fast food place, it probably falls somewhere in the middle. Under college, to be sure, but certainly above job corps.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:13

i ahvent talked to anyone form any colledge yet except a culinary/art school should i look into a normal one and a "community"one and how do i find any of them around here

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:15

oh and what is a "youngster" considred...im sure your advice could help me...or make me know what not to listen to ;) please all advice is welcome

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: GBK 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:16

Igloo Bob wrote:

> Community college...

> but also usually of lower quality education.


You may get more professors teaching you in community college (in addition to smaller class sizes) during those 2 years, than the graduate assistants you would get at a bigger school (with possibly larger class sizes) ...GBK



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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:26

so community one might be better it all depends on the professor/s and class sizes...small classes are good because you have more one on one with the teacher...and it is easier to learn...so look for whatever wants me most...preferably a small one...is it too late to audition for a scholarship?

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Bass1193 
Date:   2004-06-28 04:59

By youngster I mean still in high school. I'll be graduating this upcoming year. As for advice, I'm interested in getting some myself. This is a good thred for that!

p.s. I'm a youngster yet, and I hope what I'm saying is right, but if it's not then give me a shout so that I may stand corrected!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 05:11

Cool best of luck to you!!! anything new you learn that might help me let me know...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-06-28 05:25

Did you take the ACT? SAT? Any SATII's? Many colleges, especially in the south, offer big money for good scores on those. How much community service did you do? That's also a big deal these days. Foreign languages? A lot of colleges require at least 2 years (WTA&M and Oberlin do not, however. For that matter, Oberlin requires almost nothing non-musically, but is rather expensive compared to state college). These are good places to start. You could also take a year off, work non-stop, and save up enough money to pay your way through a decent college afterwards.



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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Igloo Bob 
Date:   2004-06-28 05:30

Quote:

You may get more professors teaching you in community college (in addition to smaller class sizes) during those 2 years, than the graduate assistants you would get at a bigger school (with possibly larger class sizes) ...GBK


Hm, perhaps I was a bit harsh on community colleges. They are by no means "college for failures" as my tone seemed to imply (and Adam Carola [sp?] swears by), and in any case, they are often the only option to someone who for whatever reason can't attend a "real" college. Any opportunity, regardless of how small, should of course be taken!



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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Bass1193 
Date:   2004-06-28 05:32

Indeed, IggyBob!
You really should consider looking into scholarships. There are sooooooo many offered these days, and for many things. You could get a bunch of little ones, or a decent big one. Who knows. Try a Google search for "scholarship". I bet you could get one for being a musician, even if you aren't "God's gift to clarinet players the world over". Just check it out!
Happy Searching, and Cheers!
Sean

p.s. I'm a youngster yet, and I hope what I'm saying is right, but if it's not then give me a shout so that I may stand corrected!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 05:55

National Beta Club(3 years) Motto: "let us lead by serving others" many community service projects included in that title along with teachers aid(1 year) jazz(4years) was voulentary(but also had to be invited) ummm softball assistant coack(tought little girls how to throw and pitch) youth group...jazz 4 marching 5(1clar1sax2baritone 1 flagline(only ww switchovers had this honor) solo and ensemble 5(voulentary) taking solos and ensembles german club treasure 1 year german 3 years i also took all academic classes like APS bio1 chem1 alg 1 and 2 geo art 1-4 ger1-3 academic english 2 reg 2 played softball in and out of school...summer team went to state as distric champs 2 years in a row and was 4th one...thank you all for your help...anything helps it all helps keep it coming...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 06:49

well i have been looking and it looks to me like there is not much here in was. music wise...maybe i should just wait to go back to ohio there are realy good ones there and in pa...what do you think???

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: ohsuzan 
Date:   2004-06-28 11:54

Hi again Krista --

Why do you keep talking about waiting to go back to Ohio? Music is the same, whether in Ohio or Washington. DO NOT WAIT!!! Do it now.

OK, maybe you are homesick for Ohio. Fine. I understand that. I was, too. Are you 18 years old? If you are, then figure out how to get yourself back here and do what you want. It may be called G-E-T A J-O-B.

I will repeat myself: DON'T WAIT. You would just be wasting your life.

Even if you only take one course, or start lessons on piano, or buy a theory book online at Amazon and read it, DO IT. Most of all, get yourself hooked up with someone face-to-face who can understand you and give you some guidance.

I can tell that you feel there is something very special about making music. That is a good indication to me that this is the path your heart is wanting to follow. There is nothing mysterious about becoming a professional musician. It is work, like anything else. But believe me, unless you are independently wealthy or on disability, you ARE going to have to work at SOMETHING. So if music is your calling, get busy and get yourself into the process.

Susan

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Dee 
Date:   2004-06-28 13:50

1. Find a job to enable you to get lessons. Although a 2 in contest is wonderful, you will need to improve to get into the top music schools. Think of all those who got 1s and remember there are people from other states competing too.
2. Contact clarinet players of the local symphony or local college professors and arrange lessons with a professional. Use the yellow pages. If you can't find anything on the symphony or colleges, call local high schools and find one whose quidance counselors and band directors are willing to provide you some information even though you weren't a student for sources of lessons and information on colleges
3. Write the guidance counselor at the school you graduated from and try to get information.
4. Search the web for college sites and check them out one by one and start writing them.

It is surprising that your guidance counselor in high school wasn't working with you over the last two years of school to help you find this material. Now it is up to you to make up this deficiency.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: ohsuzan 
Date:   2004-06-28 16:35

<<It is surprising that your guidance counselor in high school wasn't working with you over the last two years of school to help you find this material.>>

Yeah, Dee. I'm from Ohio, too, and I just can't quite figure out how Krista has fallen so much through the cracks here. Maybe there's more to the story?

Susan

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: D Dow 
Date:   2004-06-28 17:04


What grade level are you playing at?

Do you play the piano...?

Are you interested enough in music so far as to go to a school to do it 24hr a day for 7 days week...

If you haven't playing in Youth orchestra or even done recitals you could be quite a bit behind colleagues in your age group who are taking lessons...

Regards

David Dow

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-28 18:20

ok i have recieved a one in contest the first 2 i recieved was in my 8th grade year...and i have never gotten anything lower then a 2 in anything be its an enseble or a solo...i tryed talking to the guidence at my school and they didnt seem to care...i could go back to ohio right now if i really wanted to but i chose to move here to be with my family...and im going to make the best of that for 2 years untill we can ALL move back...i dont know what to say whne you ask what my grade lever at playing was...the stuff we played at my school was college grade music the jr high were playing high school grade music...so you can assume whatever grade you think might be right...i never had a piano lesson when i was younger i begged evryone and i mean evryone and no one would give them to me...i do know how to play it a little bit...but that i tought myself...my Jr year i told the guidence counselor i wanted to go into music and i NEVER recieved any help...i guess they just dont care...thats ok it always seemed to me that they were not going to help...the only kids they ended up helping were the ones who visited there office evryday and talked to them about stupid pointless stuff and i didnt have time to kiss there a** so i guess i lose in the end...oh well i can do it myself...we had a girl from my class get accepted into dana school of music and she had just started playing a year before...she wasnt that good so im sure i can do something...music is all i want to do...oh while we are at it i am getting a new mouthpiece what are your suggestions...i had a hite premiere but it was the schools so should i just get my own of that...my clarinet is a selmer signet 100(i know a not to good one but its all i have and can afford) my band director and insturment repair man seemed to think it would last me through college...its old and not to pretty but it plays good for me...and after my first clarinet anything is good...i got rid of it in jr high it was a bettony or something weird my grandma got at a flea market for $50 ok well now for more opinions...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Robyn 
Date:   2004-06-29 03:58

Hi Krista,

I grew up and still live in Washington State. I am currently a senior at Washington State University. I know a lot about the music situation on the east side of the state, so I hope I can help. I am sending you an email.

Cheers,
Robyn

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-29 08:40

Thank You very much!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: elmo lewis 
Date:   2004-06-30 01:56

There are excellent state universities in all parts of Ohio with excellent music programs and excellent teachers. They are not that expensive IF you are an Ohio resident. You need to find out what the residency requirements are NOW. You might need to move back to Ohio now to qualify for cheaper tuition later. Your high school guidance counselor should be helping you-that's what he gets paid to do.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: stagehand 
Date:   2004-06-30 02:23

I went to a community college and loved it. I received FREE lessons through the school. We also had one of the best theory programs; the teacher was a graduate of Julliard and studied privately under Nadia Boulange (sp?). When I transferred to a University, I passed out of all the theory and was told there are very few people that can do that without privet theory training.
Do NOT blow off community colleges; even if you do not get as much from one as I did, every little bit helps.

GOOD LUCK,
Sara

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: msroboto 
Date:   2004-06-30 04:03

You get what you put into any college experience. Community College or otherwise.

Sara you obviously put enough / alot into it and took advantage of good theory training available.

It's all what you make it. You can have the best teacher but if you don't apply yourself it doesn't matter if your at Julliard or the local community college.

Kudos to you!!

Also, to Lost....
You should not wait. Contact the local state schools and community colleges and go for it.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-30 04:11

Thank you all very much but I have to stay here and take care of my family I think they might make an exception in Ohio for when i come back(military resons is why i am here) (I know that Ohio has a great music program the Ohio Pa area is great) I plan on keeping it up here somehow even if it isnt going to a college just yet and when I go home I will make it more for sure. If I can find something here I will persue it right now I am looking hard as i can and im going to try and audition for some community bands and stuff like that and possiably give lessons to little ones (beginners) I am looking and if any of you hear or see anything to help me let me know. I WILL NEVER GIVE UP ! ! ! keep the comments coming too please...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-30 04:12

I am so lost

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-06-30 04:14

I will look into coleges here...well the ones near me...and if nothing opens up to me here i will wait because I KNOW I can go back to Ohio and get into a school there are so many more there then here...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: justwannaplay 
Date:   2004-06-30 10:07

Dear Lost,

If you apply to a community college near you (also called two-year colleges), you can do at least one year of study and then you can transfer to a university in Ohio when your family moves back there. You probably still have time to apply and register for courses starting January, maybe even this fall. Since you have been so active in highschool, both academically and in sports, I'm sure you will find some funds to get you through college. Don't look back to the past if your highschool counselor was unhelpful. Get a phone book, look up the nearest community college near you, call their student/career advisors and tell them that you have just graduated and what you would like to do (study music, play the clarinet - write it down if you need to), set up an appointment with them. I think they will be more than happy to talk to you. Community colleges are an excellent pathway to a four-year university. They are usually close to home and you'll often find public transport will get you there.

If you do that step you will feel less lost - you have done an awful lot in highschool - I think you could put together an attractive application to a college. An education is important no matter what, so please take that step (like others have said, don't wait - you don't need to, the opportunites are there), and look to the future. I wish you all the best,
Elizabeth

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: BobD 
Date:   2004-06-30 11:38

"but also usually of lower quality education. "

Sorry, I don't agree.

"they are often the only option to someone who for whatever reason can't attend a "real" college. " Community Colleges, previously called "Junior Colleges" ARE real colleges, my friend. Students frequently choose them for financial reasons.....as I did many years ago. I note your response to the first poster who chided your comment and rather than thinking your were a bit hard on CCs I'd offer that maybe you are just misinformed.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Mark Charette 
Date:   2004-06-30 12:42

BobD wrote:

> Community Colleges,
> previously called "Junior Colleges" ARE real colleges, my
> friend.

As always, "it depends". If you plan on attending a 4-year college later you need to check very carefully on whether or not credits earned at the 2-year college will transfer to a 4-year college. In general, some will, some won't, and in some cases you won't know until you try to get them transferred to the 4-year college of your choice. Same-state transfers are usually easier to figure out.

Mark C. (Instructor in Comp Sci at Kitsap County Community College in Bremerton, WA, 1980-1984)

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-07-01 00:49

I think I might have found one...maybe...i hope it is called Cornish College Of The Arts...i have to look into it more it says something about Music but not a lot so im going to see if they have a website and stuff...

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Zela 
Date:   2004-07-01 01:49

Actually Oberlin does require a certain score on the ACTs and the SATs. This is not true. I think the required score for SAT's is about medium and ACTs would be about 24. But if a student was outstanding or exemplirary I'm sure the teacher that would select this student could probably find a way into the school for this individual. Usually you can get into the school...but you are required to take rudimentary courses in English and other subjects to make-up for low testing scores. good luck jitter bug! I hope you find your way



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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: msroboto 
Date:   2004-07-01 04:28

check out http://www.music.washington.edu/home/ it looks like a comprehensive bachelors degree.

I don't know anything about the University of Washington but a quick web search turned it up.



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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: gallega25 
Date:   2004-07-01 20:13

Hi.

I did not read all the replys so I hope I am not to redundant here.

Community college is a good place to start, they are less expensive, have smaller class sizes, and often you get fresh ideas from young instructors starting out as well as potential for above average instruction from retired professors that will teach part time in less demanding community college atmospheres. The important thing to remember is finish your degree beofr you move and transfer to a university, particularily out of state. Degrees will almost always transfer, individule credits are evaluated by the university you are transfering to. I speak from experience on what can be lost. But generally two years is all you need to get a associates degree form a community college, which is what you will probably be shooting for.

There are grants, scholarships, and federal funds avaliable. Studnt loan rates are at an all time low. Talk to any perspective school you are interested in they will often have private individuals that give scholarships to prospective students through the college, community or university, state and private. Look in the yellow pages for schools, or talk to local high school counselors about where.

Ten years after highschool I have just graduated from a University after starting at a community college. I did this with three small children, while running my own business, and communiting 75 miles one way for school. I do not say this to be a braggart but to show you that it can be done it just takes determination, planning, and reserve. You can do it and it will be worth it. Take it slow if you are apprensive, see about working at the school, this way you can attend class, help with tuition cost, and make a little money. Good luck and please contact me with any questions.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Todd W. 
Date:   2004-07-01 21:07

Krista --

What Washington city are you currently living in?

If it's not one of the major ones, such as Seattle or Spokane, what is the nearest big city and how far away from it are you?

Todd W.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-07-02 05:03

I am in Everett i am near Seattle...i e-miailed some people at some of the seattle schools...no reply yet...maybe i will call them...keep them coming all helps

Thank You!!!

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: Todd W. 
Date:   2004-07-02 18:59

Krista --

Sounds like you're on the right track! Keep going. Your persistence will pay off.

The link to the list of colleges that Jack Kissinger provided in your mouthpiece thread looks like a good one.

Since you're in Everett, the community college there may be a good starting place. Here is the Everett Community College link (which is also on Jack's list): http://www.evcc.ctc.edu/

The school is probably on summer break and some administration offices may be closed or have people on vacation, so you may not get an answer to your e-mail right away. I would try calling them or visiting them.

Good luck in your quest.

Todd W.

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 Re: HELP!!!
Author: LostJitterBugg 
Date:   2004-07-04 05:22

Thank You!

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