 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: n_hanson12
Date: 2004-07-15 16:44
Hey! Is anyone familiar with the music program here? It's a small school, so I figure it's a long shot asking... but it doesn't hurt to try. It's in Northern IL. Thanks in advance.
~Nicki
Post Edited (2004-07-15 16:45)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-07-15 17:19
Nicki,
There are a wealth of colleges and universities of ONU's size throughout the Midwest; although I did not attend this sized school, I have friends and relatives that have and all seemed to be very pleased with their education. With from about 500-700 students in your freshman class, you would not have a situation where you are a number rather than a person. This is what can happen at some of the gigantic land-grant schools.
However, with the smaller size, you'd need to carefully look at the depth in the musical organizations. At the larger schools, there may be multiple music performance groups to choose from, the most coveted surely by audition. With 8 faculty members in the department, you will probably have several classes from the same professor (this can be good as well as bad since the variety of thought conveyed can be a bit restricted).
Also, are you looking for a Christian-based educational experience? A small town would be very nice but again, that has to be what you are looking. As a point of reference Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA is a little smaller but has one of the most beautiful settings I have ever seen; nice music faculty as well. An old friend recently retired as band director of Luther College in IA as well; that's a school with a long history of strong music activities.
Lots of schools to select from, so little time!
HRL
PS My comfort zone is for a school of from 10K to 18K (all were state universities and all had terrific music education programs and performance groups); I have attended and taught at those sized schools except for teaching at a very specialized university of 6K. Find you comfort zone and you will be much happier with the educational experience.
Post Edited (2004-07-15 17:33)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: n_hanson12
Date: 2004-07-16 00:19
Hank,
I AM looking for a Christian based education... so no problems there.
~Nicki
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Henry
Date: 2004-07-16 01:22
Nicki:
Please don't take this the wrong way but I wonder what is more important to you: Getting a thorough music education, or a Christian-based education (whatever that is). If the former, I think you should consider spreading your wings! At the academic level, it really doesn't hurt getting exposed to the most diverse environment you can find. In fact, that's the whole idea of advanced education, although it may be scary to some. It might even benefit your musicality. Just a thought. Good luck!
Henry
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: n_hanson12
Date: 2004-07-16 01:32
Henry,
Thanks for the advice. I know you're right... many people have told me this... people who know me well. I don't like to take chances and I know that I will be comfortable at ONU. I still have to decide whether to stick my neck out or stay in the comfort zone.
~Nicki
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-07-16 02:35
Nicki,
All universities that I have been assocaited with have not been church-based schools but I do know there was an active Christian life present on all of the campuses. So, don't rule out a larger state schools on the faith-based issue alone.
In the Midwest, many of the large number of smaller private schools had their origins as being part of a specific denomination (Dr. Campbell, my History of Education professor would be so proud that I remember all this but he was a giant of a professor so...). Schools like St. Olaf, Calvin, Luther, Capital - and there are many more- all have a rich tradition of excellent music programs but have strong religious traditions; some of these schools still have required chapel. Tuition and fees can be high though.
You know how I feel about finding the comfort zone; it appears that you are striving to find yours. However, psychologists will tell us that we do need a bit of stress and adrenalin to perform better (Yerkes-Dodson Curve).
Good luck. You really have a lot of choices.
HRL
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
