<p>I know this thread died a month ago, but I will second Lawrence as a great option. I have almost the exact same kid as yours, @jmgradon, marching band, NOVA, similar stats, and he LOVED Lawrence. It is a music conservatory as well as a wonderful LAC and lots of kids not enrolled as music majors play in the many, many ensembles. The small city of Appleton has lots to offer as well. It’s my son’s 2nd choice, after The College of Wooster, which does have a kilt-wearing marching band with bagpipers, which my son thought was awesome… Both schools are academically great but with a laid-back, collaborative vibe. My son is also applying to Beloit, which he liked but not as much as CoW and Lawrence. If Reed had his intended major, he’d apply there too. </p>