 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: clarinetmaniac101
Date: 2005-07-20 18:48
I was wondering your opinions on high schools for the arts. I was thinking about going to the North Carolina School of the Arts for 12th grade. Since I want to go to Julliard or a comparable school I think going to NCSA would give me a better chance to get into a music school. Do you think I would still have the same chances if I just went to a normal public high school? I know the musical world is all about who you know. Should I consider going to North Carolina School of the Arts? Thanks for your input.
Rashad
*clarinet
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Author: TonkaToy
Date: 2005-07-20 19:37
Rashad,
While, in the end, only you know what's best for you here's my two cents. And before I start I'll tell you that I'm a high school and college graduate of the North Carolina School for the Arts.
I'd suggest that one of the questions you ask is, "will I get a better musical education at NCSA than I would at home"? I don't know where you live now or what your situation is but you will get a first rate education at NCSA. You'll be exposed to basic course work in theory, solfege, and music history. You'll have an opportunity to participate in excellent ensembles and begin to explore the chamber music repertoire with first rate coaches. I would think that unless you've been spending your summers at Aspen or some other "A" level summer festival that the quality of musicians you'll be playing with and competing against is going to be higher than you're accustomed to and that's always a formula for getting better. Remember, everyone at NCSA (or any another conservatory) has been first chair in their state or district. Everyone there is the best to come out of their city or town. You'll go to classes with 12 year old pianists and violinists who have already performed as soloists with major symphonies.
You also mentioned that you see it as a stepping stone to Julliard or another name conservatory. It very well may be that for you, as it has been for others, or you may find you like it there just fine. Or maybe you'll decide that the intense competition and the total immersion in music only isn't what you want out of life. However, if you're into music, I think you might find it a lot of fun for your last year of high school.
I'm not even sure who the clarinet teacher is at NCSA now. My teacher, Bob Listokin, retired a couple of years ago. Too bad about that. Everyone should have an opportunity to study with him. He was a gentle, patient man who was a scarry good player and a top notch teacher.
Hope I was of some help. Best of luck to you
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Author: Jamies
Date: 2005-07-21 01:07
The best thing about being in an arts high school isn't the instruction or the bands or orchestras or the scales they drill into you... the one thing you will get out of a specialized high school is exposure to other people's playing. It is so important to be exposed and it helps you improve... a lot! People are more enthusiastic about music and it makes music 100% more fun.
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Author: Ashlee'
Date: 2005-07-23 02:44
Rashad,
Hi my name is Ashlee' and I will be a senior in highschool at the North Carolina School of the Arts. I would probably be the best contact for you on clarinet information about the school. I've studied there for the past two years under every clarinet instructor in the history of the school: Bob Listokin, Dan McKelway, Linda and Jon Juillian and now Igor Begelman. This may be sound weird, but I think I know some things about you. If I recall correctly you will be entering your freshman year of college? Unfortunately, I can only tell you what I have observed about the college program. All of the professors are highly educated and very talented musicians who have gathered from around the world to teach young professionals like yourself.
Besides the wonderful classroom instructors and conductors, the clarinet professor, Igor Begelman, is very inspiring and enthusiastic about teaching. I can't express to you how much I have learned and have accomplished in only 9 months with him. Unfortunately, all clarinetists and artists aren't alike. Therefore, I encourage you to give it a try, take a lesson, or at least visit the school to make your own opinion. Yet to encourage you even more, I can promise you that NCSA is unlike any other school you have ever visited or enrolled in. All of the students are as motivated and concentrated as you are, looking for a professional career in the arts. Consequently, you are always being supported by your collegues, your friends, reaching the goal you are now desperately seeking.
I am proud to be a student at NCSA. I have watched the school drastically grow and change over the past few years. And I can ensure you, Igor Begelman has alot to offer. He's just waiting for eager students such as yourself to give him the opportunity. If you have any specific questions, please feel free to ask. I'm sure there are alot of NCSA alumni who can help me encourage you to give NCSA a shot.
Ashlee'
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Author: clarinetmaniac101
Date: 2005-07-23 03:13
I'll be a freshman in high school next year not college. I'm just trying to plan out what i'm going to do for high school and things. Would you suggest that I go to NCSA for just 12th grade or 11th and 12th grades? Are there people that just go for 12th grade or is it mainly just a 2 year program. Thanks a lot!
Rashad
*clarinet
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Author: Sirene
Date: 2005-07-23 22:36
My daughter goes to an arts high school (as a dance major). Her school does not allow new students to come in new in 12th grade in any of the arts because they think the students need at least 2 years to benefit from the school. To me, that would seem even more important for a wind player who will probably not be playing in every ensemble at once and will probably have to rotate into the orchestra. From talking to the music majors at my daughter's school, many of them still take private instruction with a teacher outside of school (in addition to the instruction at school). Where they are way ahead of what they would get in any regular high school is exposure to repertoire (orchestra and chamber) and music theory, and of course both the friendships and the competition that comes from having so many talented musicians in one place. What they are doing in high school is close to what I did as a clarinet major in college.
I'd say do it, and for more than a year if you can. I wish there were schools like this when I was in high school!
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Author: Ashlee'
Date: 2005-07-23 23:27
Rashad, I'll be completely honest with you on this one. My first year at NCSA was my sophomore year (in highschool). Unfortunately, NCSA does not have a "music curriculum" for freshman or sophomores (in high school). In other words, I didn't have any theory classes, just lessons and masterclasses. So if you think about it, yes it is sort of a 2 yr. program. Yet, the great thing about NCSA is that they will still allow you to take lessons/masterclasses, live on campus, and participate in some of the ensembles. Plus, the practice time is unlimited!
Instead of worrying about the overall "program," you need to focus on the teacher. The value of your diploma is based upon how you sound and how much you have progressed over a specific number of years. Therefore, you need to have a teacher who will influence you and guide you to your own expectations and goals (and his of course). By the way, don't expect to take additional lessons outside of school. If you get bored (which is unlikely), I'm sure Professor Begelman would be happy to provide/assist you with additional repertoire!
I believe that your final decision should be based upon talking, taking a lesson, or at least meeting Professor Begelman. Remember, going to NCSA doesn't mean that you can never return home.
As for the grade catagories, around 60% of the music population are college students. Out of the 40% HS, around 30% are juniors or seniors. Plus you have to remember, out of the 40% HS, around 30% are strings. Although the numbers don't shine highly upon the younger students, it still doesn't mean that they aren't as "important" or as "serious" as some of the other students. The school takes pride in their young students and are considering changes such as an "official high school music curriculum" just for them. Although this may not encourage you right now, think about how much you can offer to the school and give them a reason to make this change or many more to come. That way you can tell an incoming freshman in Highschool, "Yeah, without me, you wouldn't have theory in 5 min."
Ashlee'
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Author: pguy
Date: 2005-07-25 21:01
Don't forget to look at the Interlochen Arts Acedemy. It's a full, four year boarding high school, but most only attend for their junior and senior years. Go to: www.interlochen.org then click on the "Academy" button at the top.
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Author: Brandon
Date: 2008-03-04 22:39
Rashad,
While I did not attend NCSA, I did attend a public school that was the magnet school for the arts. I went to the academic magnet for 9th and 10th grade and transferred to the Creative and Performing Arts high school for 11th and 12th. I found that the CAPA school was less challenging academically than the academic school, but not as much as you would think. I found that the performing arts department was FAR better at the CAPA school. I think it is a trade-off. If you want to be a serious player, I would recommend going to the arts high school. You may not get the marching band experience, but you will be challenged musically more than a normal high school. If you are passionate about music and want to be around people who are passionate about music, go for the performing arts school. I would say go for all four years, but I think it would be too late to go for just the 12th grade year. Sometimes these CAPA schools have core classes that you need, like music theory, that you want to have time to take. Sorry for the ramble.
IMHO,
Brandon
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-03-05 03:06
When we audition students at Peabody we don't really care where they went to high school. The only thing that matters is how well you play and what potential we think you have. The admissions people look at your grades etc. but we want to know how you play. With that said, if you can get a better education in a musical high school all the better but if you have a good clarinet teacher, practice at least a couple of hours a day, or more if possible, you will do just as well when you audition for music colleges. It really isn't who you know at this level, it's how you play. Good luck, ESP
Www.peabody.jhu.edu/457
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