<p>I’m a freshman at Swarthmore, and all my life, like most students on CC, I’ve strived for the absolute best. I decided to come to Swarthmore because of the small class sizes, great academics, nice campus, and cool music program. However, the small size of the school really seems apparent in the school’s extracurricular programs, simply because there are not enough students to fill all of the schools extracurricular programs with great talent. As a result, I, a freshman, started out in the jazz band playing first tenor, a spot I didn’t expect to achieve until later in my college career. Though I’m certainly a motivated individual, I somehow want there to be people better than me; people to motivate and stimulate me to be better. Furthermore, I’d love to have the wind ensemble be extraordinary; filled with students who love playing in the wind ensemble, and not students who simply didn’t get into the orchestra. </p>
<p>Other than that, I really… enjoy my time at the school. However, the small size really reduces the quality of some of the extracurricular programs and is a source of frustration. Is this reason enough to transfer to a bigger university? </p>
<p>If not, how do I gain a more balanced perspective, one that sees green grass on both sides of the fence, instead of the ostensibly brown grass on my own side? Thanks.</p>
<p>Funny, because I’m a freshman at Williams who wants to transfer to Swat partially for its music program! Okay, I have several points, I’ll try to boil them down a bit.</p>
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<li><p>We have the same small size problem here, although it affects our chamber music program more than our larger ensembles (I play in a wind quartet consisting of a clarinet [me], horn, flute, and bassoon. Guess who’s written something for that instrumentation? NO ONE!)</p></li>
<li><p>Wind ensembles will almost inevitably be seen as “lesser” than orchestras (a pet peeve of mine as well). I highly doubt you’ll find such an extraordinary wind ensemble anywhere except a conservatory/university with a music school (but you probably won’t be able to play in it unless you’re in the music school, so basically, it doesn’t exist.)</p></li>
<li><p>Can’t really speak to the jazz side of things as I’m a classical musician, but maybe try seeing what Philly has to offer? Assuming you’re taking private lessons, ask your teacher for advice. Maybe some Temple jazz musicians might be interested in playing a combo? Can’t hurt to at least try.</p></li>
<li><p>Be glad that you have Philly!!! Speaking as someone in the middle of nowhere, take advantage of all the great concerts/jazz clubs you can go to. Nothing like a great concert to simultaneously make you feel inadequate and motivate you to work harder.</p></li>
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<p>As for transferring to a larger school, I think that ultimately comes down to whether the small class sizes and tight-knit community of a small LAC outweigh the impact that the school’s size has on your musical development. Which is more important to you? I know from personal experience that this can be a really hard question to answer, but think about it. Again, ask your teacher (current or a teacher from home) for advice, talk to people in the music department, try talking to other Swat musicians and see what their perspective is. Hope this helps and good luck!</p>