| By all means, ask how many tubas they plan to admit that year. Although tubas are usually in demand, it is possible that any one school might have all that they need that year and not admit any. Some schools will come right out and say so and others will hold auditions anyway, just in case they happen to get someone so good that they can't say no.
Some other things to think about:
-Your son's junior year spring break is a good time to visit schools that are in session that week. Start looking for cheap air fares now if you plan to fly to any of them.
-The last week of school in junior year is a good time to ask for letters of recommendation from people who will be busy in the fall (e.g. teachers and professional musicians). Prepare a resume or list of accomplishments before asking for a letter of recommendation so the writer will have something to work from.
-Think about plans for next summer. If you want a sample lesson with a top-list teacher, summer may be the best time to get it and this summer will be the last such opportunity your son has to do that. Consider summer music camp possibillities and, if necessary, start thinking about any audition pieces that they require.
-Summer is also a great time to get a head start on those pesky essay questions.
-Next fall, get the applications in as soon as you can, particularly for schools with early audition dates or rolling admissions. Keep on the school guidance counselor to get out the necessary transcripts and other paperwork.
-If possible, schedule that first audition at a school toward the bottom of your list.
-Have son play all of his audition pieces to a small audience in a recital situation before the first audition, even if it is only you, his teacher and a friend or two in someone's living room. Playing in front of others can be very different from practicing alone. |