itsbmex

Hey, my name is Brian, a bass-baritone from central PA going to Oberlin to study with Salvatore Champagne next year. I have a few things: what is Oberlin consistently ranked among conservatories and schools of music in America? I have no idea where to find these rankings lol and I'm just curious. Also, for current Oberlin people, what's life like? Is there as much rampant drug use as reported? lol I'm guessing no, but again, just curious. I dont tend to do drugs or drink or anything but I still go to parties where people do and dont mind, i just dont like to do it. So im just wondering what to expect in the next four years of my life, you know? I'm sure ill be happy and fit in no matter what if i try, im just curious since I know im going there. Any responses or opinions would be awesome, thanks a lot..!!

coloratura_as

Hi Brian! I'm currently a first year vocal performance major studying with Lorraine Manz. Congratulations on your acceptance! Sal is a wonderful teacher. I don't really know what to say about the rankings but I can answer your other questions. I find that everything here is pretty relaxed. I get stressed sometimes but nothing major. This year I took, Italian, my music theory classes, my aural skills classes, piano lessons, English diction, Italian diction, German, musical union and college choir. For my sophomore year I have registered for, advanced piano, aural skills, music theory, cardio kickboxing : ), intro to music history and intro to opera theater. I have stayed away from drugs since I've been here and you can avoid it if you want to. If you have anymore questions about the program or life in Oberlin just let me know!

itsbmex

That schedule sounds awesome lol how are the performance opportunities? I want to have recitals and try and get involved in operas and big works and stuff, how possible are those things right away? I want to perform as much as I can in my performance degree, you know?

coloratura_as

Well, you have freshman sing when you get here where you perform for the voice faculty. There are also sometimes solo opportunities with the orchestra. You will perform solos in diction classes and quite a few freshman made the spring opera when they auditioned in the fall. I'm going to be in the chorus in the fall. You also have juries freshman and sophomore year and departmentals starting in your sophomore year.