<p>Hi all. I was “hautbois” in my former life. I’ve been away. Now I’m back, but, as you can see, I have a new name. (It’s probably equally as confusing as the other, but I’m a confused sort so there you go.)</p>
<p>Anyway, our son is a sophomore. Very involved in vocal jazz and musical theater. Time will tell regarding these two passions – will they last? I wonder! But he seems to have “found himself”.</p>
<p>So we’ve survived the graduation of one (UCLA, design major, no job yet), our D is still at UCI and loving it, and we still one more to deal with. (The end IS in sight … although the expense isn’t going to end soon at all.)</p>
<p>So I’m saying “hi”, jumping in, and, mostly, wondering what has happened with all of those who did the admission “thing” last year; how are your kids faring at their colleges? Anything you’d now do differently? Any disappointments, or is everyone happily situated at their schools?</p>
<p>And yes, if you have any oboe questions I’m still happy to respond! :-)</p>
<p>Welcome Back! I was wondering what happened to you. I’m the one with the daughter who wants to play oboe in college but not as a major. Glad to see you’re back. I’ll email you!</p>
<p>Thanks for the welcome Marite and Thumper1! </p>
<p>Thumper, wanting to play oboe in college without majoring in music is great at most colleges. (But I’m sure you know this already!) Of course a school that is well known for a strong music program may not allow your daughter to take lessons, but the majority will if there’s space. Where I teach I’m allowed to take non-majors. At one of the schools I can only teach non-majors/non-minors for 30 minute lessons which, in my opinion, isn’t worth it, but the other university is fine with my teaching non-majors if I have room. </p>
<p>If your daughter is interested in playing in a performing group she may also want to check to see if they 1) allow non-majors/non-minors to play and 2) have a worthwhile performing group and 3) hold auditions. The one problem with some schools that are very non-selective when it comes to their orchestra musicians is that the orchestra is somewhat poor. (Or downright awful!)</p>
<p>Welcome back. You’re just in time to join the faculty of the new college some parents are putting together. See the Doodling thread on the Parents Cafe for more information.</p>
<p>Carolyn, digmedia, mstee, marite, all the rest … thanks for the welcome back messages. I’d love to hear your current stories!</p>
<p>overseas, I’m glad you keep me informed about that oboist of yours! </p>
<p>dadofsam, I’ll have to check that out … when I get a free moment.</p>
<p>idler, I’ve not had the time to really say whether CC has changed, but my initial response is “no”. Everyone is still puzzling over what to do and how to do it. Most of the kids still have high stats and it seems that the top schools are the choice for many. I notice some stressed out folks, some with lots of answers, some who take offense easily, and some here for a good ride. Seems like the norm to me. ;-)</p>
<p>As to the change of name … yeah, doublereedplay woulda worked, but so much typing. And doublereed … well, just wasn’t fun and it reminded me that I need to make reeds. “reedplay” on the other hand … well, sort of makes making reeds sound like child’s play or something. </p>