Author: NBeaty
Date: 2011-09-21 14:46
Alex- we are all aware of your opinions and thoughts on the music industry, the question was about the University of North Texas, which you haven't really addressed specifically.
Performing opportunities in the area DO EXIST! They're more common for students here than when I was in Montreal, which is much more 'cultured'. Yes, you do have to be very good to get them, but they're no less common than other areas. In fact, since the DFW area is so large, playing in a small orchestra outside of school is very possible for capable players, you just have to drive a bit.
Performing opportunities in school ALSO EXIST! Like most schools, it is difficult to get in to the orchestras (even though there are 2) as a Freshman. I don't think getting in to the orchestra as a freshman would be a very good indicator of a good school, since it would basically mean you have at most 3 or 4 players that are better than you and you will not learn as much. We have 2 orchestras and 3 (almost 4, since the concert band is essentially split in to two groups). I would wager that the symphonic band (second band) is as good as your average top group at most institutions. The Wind Symphony is a world-class group that hardly needs introduction with a director that is legendary.
The school strings are very competitive, I'm not sure why someone in an above post would say that "strings are weak in Texas". UNT has a large student body, so you can find some weaker players in each section if you go down far enough. However, most students are very competitive and I haven't noticed any reduction in quality compared to players I've heard that go to more "prestigious" institutions.
Teaching opportunities in Denton and the DFW area are almost unmatched by any place I've heard of. Anyone (and I've seen Freshman\Sophomores do it) can find a place to get a private studio started. As my teacher told me when I first came here, "we've never had enough teachers to satisfy the need".
Teaching opportunities for music education students when they graduate is HIGH in Texas. I've been to several schools in Texas and known a lot of music education students. Almost all of them (that didn't go on to graduate school) found a job in the place they wanted to live pretty easily.
The jazz program is by far one of the top programs in the country, if that has any interest for you.
In addition to the performance and teaching opportunities in and out of school, the professors of clarinet are amazing. Kimberly Cole-Luevano is our newest faculty member (replacing Jim Gillespie). She is an inspiring performer and teacher and is very committed to her students. John Scott is also an incredible player and teacher. The teachers all get a long with eachother very well (not always the case in schools with multiple teachers). If I ever have a clarinet question, I'm free to go knock on any of the teachers doors and they will gladly field my question.
As far as meeting "the right people" to get connected in the clarinet community, knowing these two people and going to ICA Clarinetfest every year will do a lot for you.
If you want to know anything else specific, email me.
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