 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: Amy W.
Date: 2001-04-12 02:51
Hello all,
I haven't written anything on this board in about a year, but I do have a dilemma to ask whoever is willing to listen. I'm a high school sr., and I just got accepted to Northwestern School of Music for clarinet. I'm really excited...about to go visit the campus. There is one big problem....money. We really don't have enough to pay for all the costs, but our family income isn't really low enough to recieve any aid. Has anyone dealt with this dilemma? Perhaps I should wait till graduate school to go to a big name school such as that? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
~AMY~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: jbutler
Date: 2001-04-12 03:01
Have you applied for a Pell grant (gotta get that ed degree)? That would allow you to defer some costs with the promise to teach for a couple of years.. Did you inquire about other grants and scholarships at the time of your audition? Most times the college or university will give you as much information possible about these programs in order to allow you to attend. Does your hometown have a Jaycess, Kiawana's Club, Kngihts of Columbus, IOF, or other organization that offers scholarships? Perhaps your church or church organization would be willing to help. You never know unless you ask. I know, I had the same problem 30 years ago.. I also did the work study program to help with room and board.
John
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Kim L
Date: 2001-04-12 03:11
I go to Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT. That school is a no namer, compared to UCONN and Yale. However, the music program is fantastic! Our band director just was named employee of the month for March. He's been teaching in the school for three years. At our band and wind ensemble concert next month Skitch Henderson and Julius Baker are attending. I can't wait!
The wind ensemble is playing Blue Shades, Tempered Steel, Carmen Fantasie ( a flute solo that the flute professor is going to play with us), and a Bach chorale. The symphonic band is playing a Grainger concert.
At the jazz festival this month, the Yellowjackets are going to perform. Other greats to have performed at the school are Michael Brecker and Conrad Herwig.
The theory professor was taught by Robert Mucynski, and the jazz professor has played with The Temptations. The band director has guest conducted regional bands and founded the school's spirit band.
With all this said, no, you do not need to go to a "big name school" for a high quality education. I could have gone to UCONN or Lebanon Valley College and be in debt to my eyeballs. By going to an affordable school ($3,000), I do not need to worry about debt and I can buy special things for myself. I still do not regret making the decision to go to Western Connecticut State University.
Good luck in your decision,
Kim L.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-04-12 03:24
Amy,
When there's a will there's a way. You may have to go into debt, along with working summers and possibly a part-time job during school - but if it's really where you want to go, then you should give it a try.
When you and your parents fill out the FAFSA you'll get a number back saying how much you & your family should be ready to contribute towards your education. I know I was surprised (not pleasantly!) at how much we were expected to contribute towards my son's education. However, with a merit scholarship we're making the payments ... but I have another son ready to enter college pretty soon, too ... and one more 4 years after that ... oh well 8^)
Mark C, looking forward to a major jump in income in another 9 years ...
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jim
Date: 2001-04-12 04:10
Mark's advice is right on. Do expect that loans will be a part of your financial aid package, and expect to work both during the 4 summers and at school; which is difficult with the practice time expected, but not impossible. It will likely cut into the social side of the college experience though.
Thgis is experience talking, I mostly worked my way through as my parents were sending my brother to Catholic High School while I was in college. (The Catholic school was more than my tuition at a state college at that time, the rearly 1970s.) I also had a moderate amount of loans.
You don't say, but I hope you have a less expensive backup school in case the numbers don't work. Be careful to watch notification deadlines and not lose any options. Best of luck to you!
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Gretchen
Date: 2001-04-12 05:08
Amy,
Congrats on getting into Northwestern. Have you applied to any other schools? You really should pick at least five schools with at least one being a cheap backup just in case (perhaps a state school with low tuition but a solid program). You just never know. Every school has different needs, and scholarships tend to be given more on what instruments are needed than how worthy the applicants are. Best of luck.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Amy W.
Date: 2001-04-12 13:22
For all of you that asked...Yes I do have a backup school-well I don't even consider it a backup school, because I'm still deciding between Baylor and Northwestern. I've gotten scholarships and lots of help from the music school at Baylor. Excellent clarinet professor also. By May 1st I will have decided. Thanks for your comments!
~Amy~
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ed
Date: 2001-04-12 18:13
Congratulations! Northwestern is a great school. I agree, where there is a will, there is a way as others have said. When I was accepted to Juilliard years back, that is how I approached it. I figured that I would do whatever I had to to make it work. Yes, you could go to another school if it is too tough financially, but try to swing it. You will not regret it. The quality of ensembles, instructors, your peers, opportunities will make it worthwhile. There are things at a school at this level that other schools just cannot offer.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken
Date: 2001-04-12 22:32
If you're attending school in Chicago anyway, what's wrong with checking into the music programs at Depaul and/or Roosevelt? If you're accepted at Northwestern they'll certainly welcome you at either if they have an opening. Those schools are bit cheaper too and both their music programs are comparable to Northwestern's.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: HAT
Date: 2001-04-13 17:18
If you are serious about music, find a way to afford to go to the best school you can get into. You don't get a second chance on this one, and settling for a cheaper school will prove disasterous in the long run.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Ken
Date: 2001-04-13 23:10
I concur on selecting the best school for the money, however, I reiterate Depaul and Roosevelt have superb undergrad/grad programs in performance, composition and education. "More affordable" in price NOT in quality of education. It's absurd and uninformed to suggest a person would receive less of an education or opportunity enrolled in either Depaul or Roosevelt than Northwestern. At my age, I'd give my eyeteeth if I had the time and money to get a degree at either of these fine schools. Especially Depaul and having the privilege of studying with Larry Combs and/or Bruce Yeh. Their staff are outstanding professionals including Julie DeRouche. The absolute best for your future! <:-)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
