<p>My son plays bassoon extremely well. We are looking at LAC’s for him, schools where he can play in the orchestra and/or ensembles but he does not want to be a music major. Is there a way to find out if a LAC has a need for a bassoonist. He is going to apply early action and get in as good a college as possible (pretty good GPA, all AP;s, not good standardized test, good extra curr.) We assume that bassoon will help and assume it will help even more if the school needs a good bassoonist.</p>
<p>Some names, and links (post 3) here that may prove useful: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/957269-liberal-arts-colleges-would-good-fits.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/957269-liberal-arts-colleges-would-good-fits.html</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/917678-looking-lac-good-symphony-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/917678-looking-lac-good-symphony-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/516178-what-like-non-music-major-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/516178-what-like-non-music-major-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/788690-liberal-arts-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/788690-liberal-arts-orchestra.html?highlight=orchestra</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/444853-schools-excellent-music-programs-orchestra-etc-where-you-dont-have-major.html?highlight=orchestra[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/444853-schools-excellent-music-programs-orchestra-etc-where-you-dont-have-major.html?highlight=orchestra</a></p>
<p>Best bets are to read the music department webpages fully, and to contact the department chair and orchestra director. If you visit a school, plan on spending time with either or both, and try and sit in (or participate) in a rehearsal if possible. Realize that majors (and minors) will typically have preferential treatment for ensemble placement, but there are a number of programs that will be “open to all”, some requiring an audition (for the performing organization) and a number that will take just about anybody.</p>
<p>One caveat is that if if he plays “extremely” well, some of these participatory experiences may be disappointing in terms of equally talented peers. This is contingent on his prior training and experiences. You may also want to investigate the lesson policies and instructors, as these policies vary widely for non-majors.</p>
<p>You can usually get a good idea about opportunities for non-majors by browsing the orchestra’s web site. How many orchestras; what kinds of ensembles. Who can audition for which ensembles. </p>
<p>Many sites include some concert recordings. Listening to those can give a potential member a feeling of whether the repetoire and level of play would be fun for that individual.</p>
<p>Some schools list orchestra members and year on the web site.</p>
<p>And you can contact the orchestra director.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help. He is very talented and well trained but does not want to be a musician. He wants to use the bassoon for leverage and would be OK being part of an orchestra (even one not as good as the ones he is used to). So, because he is trying to use it as leverage, it would be great to find out what good LAC’s have open seats for a good bassoonist. I have not found any information on the websites about the orchestra members. Does anyone know which schools list this information and does anyone know if it is appropriate to call the school and ask this question?</p>
<p>My D who plays violin applied to a bunch of LACS and is not planning on studying music. All of them allowed a music supplement at part of the application. You send in a tape and a recommendation from the music teacher. Beyond that, you should narrow down your schools and call the orchestra director and find out if you son could be an asset to your program.</p>
<p>Perfectly acceptable to call, email the orchestra director and/or woodwind chair. These are the folks with the information, and it will be worth your while to get the policies from those in the know. </p>
<p>Honestly, I’ve never seen a posted roster of orchestra members on a school’s (open access portion of a) website.</p>
<p>Furman. An outstanding music program and orchestra. You dont have to major in music to play, but you DO have to major in music and audition if you want a music scholarship.</p>
<p>Not a LAC, but here is Princeton’s orchestra: [Princeton</a> University Orchestra > Member List](<a href=“http://www.puorchestra.org/about_members.php]Princeton”>http://www.puorchestra.org/about_members.php).</p>
<p>Princeton indicates class year with the name. Most orchestras list only the names.</p>
<p>(I hope the first cut for the college list is based on which colleges your son wants to attend, and only after that cut looking at where he might maximize leverage with his bassoon.)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone, I will send out inquiries to the orchestra directors (thanks violadad). And yes, there are many wonderful LAC’s that sound good to him. We are working hard to narrow it down to schools that have merit scholarships, a music department, photography classes (or department), good student/faculty ratio with a non competitive environment and happy students. There are lots of schools to pick from. So, any other suggestions would be great.</p>